Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist Matonya has been charged with rape in Kenya, following an alleged incident in the coastal city of Mombasa, according to court proceedings.
The musician, whose real name is Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, was arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa on April 9, where he denied the charge.
Prosecutors told the court that the 43-year-old artist allegedly raped a middle-aged woman at an apartment in the upscale Nyali area earlier in the week. The two are said to have met at a social venue in Bamburi before heading to the residence where the alleged incident occurred.
According to the prosecution, the complainant later reported the incident to authorities, prompting police investigations. A medical examination was conducted, with findings expected to be presented as part of the ongoing case.
Matonya, however, denied the allegations in court, claiming instead that he had been a victim of theft involving the complainant and another individual.
The presiding magistrate granted the singer release on bond set at 500,000 Kenyan shillings (about $3,800), with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and barred from leaving Kenya pending the determination of the case.
The case is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days.
Matonya is a well-known figure in East Africa’s Bongo Flava music scene, with popular tracks including “Vaileti,” “Anita,” and “Spare Tairi.”
