Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist Seif Shaban, popularly known as Matonya, has been released from Shimo La Tewa Prison after spending about 20 days in custody over rape allegations.
The singer secured his freedom on a Sh500,000 bond, with the court declining to offer a cash bail alternative.
As part of his release conditions, Matonya has been ordered to surrender his passport to the court, while immigration authorities have been placed on red alert to prevent any attempt to leave the country without authorisation.
The case stems from an alleged incident that reportedly occurred on April 7, 2026, at an apartment in Nyali, Mombasa County, and is set for pre-trial.
After his release, Matonya recorded a video expressing gratitude to those who stood by him during his time in custody.
“First, I thank God for the opportunity to be out through the Kenyan court. I also thank Tanzanians and everyone for their prayers. I also appreciate my Kenyan friends for their prayers. I thank my family for standing by me until now, and my friends I have worked with and many others,” Matonya said.
“Those who planned this know what they did for their own interests. But let us leave it to the court, and it will deliver justice,” he added.
According to reports filed with the police, the events leading to his arrest allegedly took place inside a Nyali apartment where the singer was in the company of two women.
Police reports indicate that the alleged incident occurred in a Nyali apartment involving the singer, two women and a friend, with investigators later linking the matter to his arrest and arraignment in court.
The prosecution described the allegations as serious, prompting the court to impose strict bond conditions to ensure his attendance as the case proceeds.
With the matter now formally before the judiciary, attention shifts to the pre-trial stage scheduled for April 30, where directions on how the case will proceed are expected to be issued.
The outcome will ultimately depend on the evidence presented and the court’s determination as it seeks to establish the truth behind the allegations.