Tanzanian musician Matonya, whose real name is Sefu Shabani, has been acquitted of a rape charge by a Mombasa court, bringing to an end a legal battle that saw him spend more than 20 days in custody.
The 43-year-old singer was released after the court found him not guilty of the charge and ordered the return of his travel documents, clearing the way for him to return to Tanzania.
Case Stemmed From April Incident in Nyali
Matonya had been arrested over allegations that he raped a woman on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali, Mombasa.
When he was first arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts, he denied the charge and was released on a KSh500,000 bond. The court also ordered him to surrender his passport and barred him from leaving its jurisdiction without prior permission.
According to the prosecution, the complainant had met Matonya and one of his friends at a wine and spirits outlet in Bamburi before the trio proceeded to the apartment in Nyali.
Investigators alleged that after the complainant fell asleep on a couch in the sitting room, Matonya left the bedroom, sexually assaulted her, and later assaulted her physically when she raised an alarm.
Singer Maintains He Was Framed
Following his acquittal, Matonya welcomed the court’s decision, saying he had been cleared of all allegations and was now free to resume his personal and professional activities.
The musician maintained that he had been falsely accused throughout the case, insisting he was framed.
Despite the legal ordeal, Matonya said he remains committed to maintaining his relationship with his Kenyan fans and intends to continue visiting Kenya, adding that he does not want the case to overshadow the bond he has built with his supporters over the years.
