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Tanzanian musician Matonya faces rape charges in Mombasa
Sefu Shabani, known by his stage name Matonya, appeared in a Kenyan court on Thursday after being accused of sexual assault. The 43-year-old artist denied the allegations during the hearing, according to Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Court grants bail, imposes travel restrictions
The Mombasa court set bail at 500,000 Kenyan shillings ($3,900; £2,900) and ordered Matonya to surrender his Tanzanian passport. Prosecutors expressed concerns about him leaving the country, prompting the court to direct immigration authorities to flag his details at border points.
Allegations and timeline
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday at an apartment in Nyali, a coastal resort area near Mombasa. Prosecutors outlined the details during the Thursday hearing, though no further evidence was disclosed in the DPP's statement.
Matonya's career and public reaction
Matonya is a celebrated figure in East Africa's music scene, known for his contributions to bongo flava-a genre blending Swahili lyrics, romantic melodies, and urban beats with influences from traditional taarab music. His hits, including Vaileti, Anita, and Taxi Bubu, have earned him a loyal following over the past 15 years.
The arrest has sparked divided reactions online and within Tanzania's music industry. Some supporters have called for due process and solidarity with the artist, while others emphasize the gravity of the accusations and the need for a fair judicial outcome.
Regional silence and next steps
Tanzanian authorities have not commented on the case. Meanwhile, the court's decision to grant bail allows Matonya to await trial outside custody, though his movements remain restricted. The next hearing date has not been announced.
