Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani, popularly known as Matonya, has been arrested and charged with rape in Kenya.
The 43-year-old denied the charge when he appeared in court in the coastal city of Mombasa, as confirmed by Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court has granted him bail set at 500,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $3,900), and he has been ordered to surrender his Tanzanian passport.
Matonya is a well-known artist famous for his bongo flava hits, a genre that blends urban sounds with traditional East African melodies. He became popular around 15 years ago and continues to perform across East Africa with hits like Vaileti, Anita, and Mapito.
Prosecutors noted that the alleged sexual assault occurred at an apartment in Nyali on Tuesday. The DPP expressed concern for Matonya's presence in the jurisdiction and has put immigration authorities on alert at border points.
The artist's case has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some fans and industry members advocating for his support and due process, while others emphasize the gravity of the accusations and the need for justice.
As the developments unfold, the authorities in Tanzania have not issued any comments regarding the situation.
