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Female matatu tout accuses police officers of strip searching her to ‘confirm her gender’


A woman who works as a matatu tout has accused two police officers from Huruma Police Station, in Nairobi of allegedly strip searching her to confirm her gender.

While speaking to KTN on Friday, Mumbi Maina narrated how she was forced to strip by the police officers after she was arrested alongside other touts on May 15 while on duty.

The 31-year-old mother of one, said two female officers subjected her to the humiliation after she refused to bribe them.

“They demanded Sh400 bribe and when it was not forthcoming, they locked us up,” she narrated.

FORCEFULLY UNDRESSED

The said police officers would later return to violate Mumbi’s dignity.

“Two female officers called me and demanded that I undress and spread my legs apart so that they could confirm that I’m a woman. After checking my private parts they told me to dress up and go back to the cell,” Mumbi said.

After the incident, Ms Mumbi says she stayed away from work for several days for fear of her safety.

Ms Maina, who has beards, is now threatening to sue the police officers for violating her privacy and humiliating her.

She has since lodged complaints at Huruma Police Station, which has also been reported to have confirmed receipt of her complaints.