Bongo Flava artiste Matonya charged with rape in Mombasa

Matonya, known for hits like 'Vaileti', 'Anita' was charged with the offence contrary to Section 3(1)(a) as read with Section 3(3) of Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act. He also faces an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with an adult, with the court told he inappropriately touched the woman’s private parts without her consent.

The court granted the accused a bond of Sh10 million (Ksh500,000) with one Kenyan surety of a similar amount.

The prosecution opposed any attempt to grant cash bail, citing the accused’s status as a foreign national. Prosecutors asked the court to compel him to provide a Kenyan surety, deposit his passport, and restrict his movement.

“We pray that he provides a Kenyan surety, deposits his passport in court and that a red alert be issued to immigration authorities. He should not leave the country without permission of the court,” the prosecution submitted.

The defence, however, urged the court to consider lenient bond terms, including the option of cash bail, stating that the artiste was ready to comply with all conditions set by the court.

In its ruling, the court maintained the bond terms of Sh10 million (Kshs500,000) with a surety of a similar amount. It also ordered the accused to deposit his passport in court and barred him from leaving the court’s jurisdiction without prior permission.

A red alert was further issued to immigration authorities to prevent him from leaving the country without authorisation.

The court directed that witness statements be supplied to the defence ahead of the hearing.

The case will be mentioned on April 30, 2026, for pre-trial directions.