Tanzanian musician Matonya charged with rape in Kenya

Tanzanian musician Matonya, whose real name is Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, has been charged with rape in Kenya's coastal county of Mombasa.

Matonya, 43, is alleged to have raped a middle-aged woman in Mombasa's affluent Nyali neighbourhood on Tuesday.

The artiste was arraigned before Shanzu Law Court's Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek on Thursday.

The court heard that Matonya, who was in Mombasa recently for music recording, met the alleged victim through a mutual friend in Bamburi estate, not far from Nyali.

Matonya alleges he was a theft victim

On Tuesday, the suspect and the alleged victim met at a social joint in Bamburi before heading to an apartment in Nyali, where Matonya had booked his accommodation.

The prosecution said that it is in the apartment that Matonya raped the complainant, who was sleeping in a separate room within the house.

The woman is said to have alerted her friend about the ordeal, which was later reported at the Nyali police station.

For his side, Matonya told authorities that the alleged victim and her friend had stolen from him.

Matonya denies charges

Police recorded statements from both parties.

A medical examination was conducted on the alleged victim, and its results will be produced in court as the case continues.

Standing in the dock on Thursday, Matonya denied the charges.

Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek directed that the suspect deposits a 500,000-Kenyan-shilling ($3,870) bond plus one surety as conditions for his release from custody, pending determination of the matter.

Ordered to surrender passport

Matonya was also ordered to surrender his Tanzanian passport with the court until the case against him is determined.

The court also ordered Kenya's immigration authorities to be on alert so that the musician does not sneak into the neighbouring Tanzania without meeting bond terms in Kenya.

The matter will come up for hearing in the coming days.

Matonya often sings in Swahili language, which is widely spoken in East Africa. His famous songs include "Vaileti", "Anita", and "Spare Tairi."