Tanzanian musician Sefu Shabani Ramadhan, popularly known as Matonya, has spoken out about his experience being arrested in Kenya in 2026. In an interview with Global TV Online, Matonya recounted that his trip to Kenya began when he visited his mother in Tanga, and then met up with friends in Mombasa who invited him to a music show. The show went well, but things took a turn after his friends invited him to dinner, which led to a series of events that resulted in his arrest.
According to Matonya, after dinner, his friends suggested inviting two women to join them for entertainment. Matonya claimed he knew one of the women, but the other was someone he met for the first time that day. He stated that he did not recall much of what happened after that, and was surprised to find himself at the Nyali police station. Matonya was informed that there were allegations related to an incident that occurred after the group changed locations, and he requested to be returned to his residence.
Matonya was arraigned at the Shanzu Court in Mombasa on April 9, 2026, facing rape charges, which he denied. He was remanded at the Shimo La Tewa prison for over two weeks, awaiting bail of KES 500,000 and surrendering his passport. The court also ruled that he was not allowed to leave the country without judicial consent. However, on July 2, 2026, the court acquitted him of the charges.
Reflecting on the experience, Matonya described it as one of the most painful periods of his life, feeling betrayed by people he trusted. He claimed that the ordeal affected his personal life and music career, resulting in a loss of approximately TSH 9 million in music revenue from online platforms. Additionally, Matonya stated that the news of his arrest had a negative impact on his mother's health, causing her anxiety about her son's fate.
Matonya emphasized that the experience taught him to be more cautious when choosing people to trust, noting that sometimes those closest to you can be the source of great pain. Despite returning home, Matonya admitted that his life has not returned to normal, with some people still viewing him with suspicion due to the incident.
The incident had far-reaching consequences for Matonya, affecting not only his personal life but also his music career. He claimed that his reputation was tarnished, and it will take time to regain the trust of his fans. Matonya's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of one's surroundings and the company one keeps.
Matonya's story highlights the challenges that artists face, particularly when it comes to personal and professional reputation. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and the potential consequences of one's actions. As Matonya continues to rebuild his life and career, his story serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and careful decision-making.
Key points
- Matonya was acquitted of rape charges in Kenya on July 2, 2026.
- The incident had a significant impact on Matonya's music career and personal life.
- Matonya learned a valuable lesson about being cautious when choosing people to trust.
