Tanzanian Musician Matonya Apologises to Mother After Mombasa Court Acquits Him of Rape Charges

Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani, popularly known as Matonya, has publicly apologised to his mother following his acquittal by a Mombasa court on rape charges that saw him spend over 20 days in custody.

The 43-year-old Bongo Flava artiste was cleared of all charges on Monday, July 6, 2026, after the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court ordered the immediate return of his travel documents, allowing him to return to Tanzania.

In an emotional statement following his release, Matonya issued an apology to his biological mother, Mrs. Zuhura Hussein, acknowledging the pain and tribulations she endured during his legal ordeal.

“Sorry my biological mother Mrs. Zuhura Hussein 🙏 I know the tribulations you go through while I was struggling to make a livelihood, so sorry mother 🙏🙏🌹🌹❤❤,” Matonya wrote. “But our god is still good and this day he has done (🙏) Thank you courts of Kenya🤝 Thank you ramadhan msomi my brother🤝 Thank you le boss chief Kiumbe my brother. Thank you all my brothers in every side prayers and blessings🙏”

Matonya was arrested in April 2026 over allegations that he raped a woman on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali, Mombasa. He denied the charge when he was arraigned before a court in Shanzu and was granted a KSh 500,000 bond. The court also ordered him to surrender his passport and barred him from leaving the court’s jurisdiction without permission.

According to the prosecution, the complainant had joined Matonya and his friend at a wine-and-spirits outlet in Bamburi before they proceeded to the Nyali apartment. Investigators alleged that after the complainant fell asleep on a couch in the sitting room, Matonya left the bedroom and raped her, later assaulting her when she raised an alarm.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Matonya maintained his innocence, claiming he had been framed. Following the court’s decision, he stated that he has been cleared of all charges and is free to resume his professional activities. Despite the harrowing experience, Matonya said that he will continue visiting Kenya,