Bongo star Matonya charged with rape in Mombasa, freed on Sh500,000 bond

Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, popularly known as Matonya, has been charged in Kenya with rape, an allegation he has denied.

The 43-year-old artist was arraigned before Shanzu Law Court Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Court documents indicate that the alleged offence occurred on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali Sub-County, Mombasa County.

The prosecution opposed his release on lenient bond terms, arguing that the accused is a foreign national with no fixed residence in Kenya and could pose a flight risk if released without strict conditions.

The State further told the court that stringent bail conditions were necessary to ensure Matonya remains within the court’s jurisdiction for the duration of the trial.

After hearing both sides, the court granted the musician a bond of Sh500,000 with one Kenyan surety.

The magistrate also ordered Matonya to surrender his Tanzanian passport and barred him from leaving Kenya without prior approval from the court.

In addition, immigration authorities were directed to place an alert at all border entry and exit points to prevent any attempt to leave the country while the case is pending.

The Bongo Flava artist’s case has attracted public attention due to Matonya’s prominence in the East African music scene, with fans and observers closely monitoring developments.

The matter will be mentioned at a later date for pre-trial directions as investigations continue and the prosecution prepares its evidence.