Tanzanian musician Matonya charged with rape in Kenya

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Robinson Ondiek at the Shanzu Law Court in Mombasa, the 43-year-old denied the charge brought under Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) the court heard that the alleged offence occurred on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali Sub-County, Mombasa County. The prosecution told the court that the accused is alleged to have unlawfully committed the act against an adult woman.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele urged the court to impose stringent bond terms, arguing that the accused is a foreign national without a fixed residence in Kenya. She said strict conditions were necessary to ensure he remains within the court’s jurisdiction throughout the trial.

The court granted the accused a bond of Ksh.500,000 with one Kenyan surety. He was also ordered to deposit his Tanzanian passport and barred from leaving the country without prior court approval. 

"Additionally, immigration authorities were directed to place an alert at border points," said the ODPP.