Police in Huruma have been accused by a middle-aged woman from Kayole of allegedly forcing her to strip to determine her gender.
Mumbi Maina on Thursday detailed how officers from Jonsaga (Huruma Police Station) arrested her alongside other touts on May 15 while they were picking up passengers at Kariobangi.
The mother of one stated that the officers bundled them into cells, asked for a Ksh400 bribe and when it was not forthcoming, locked them up.
Mumbi told journalists that police officers would come into her cell, look at her curiously, and then leave adding that the beard hairs on her chin may have been the reason behind their sudden interest in her features.
[caption caption="Mumbi Maina"]
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She further stated that the officers decided to parade her in front of them and moments later, two of them called her out and ordered her to strip maintaining they needed to ascertain her gender.
Despite her tearfully pleading with them not to force her strip, Mumbi alleged that the police officers remained adamant and asked her to remove her clothes.
The officers then allegedly proceeded to touch her private parts and when she informed the OCS about what had transpired, he jumped to their defence.
She alleged that he defended his officers stating they had not done anything wrong in trying to ascertain her gender.
Mumbi stated that she has been unable to return to work for fear of being arrested and a similar incident recurring.
[caption caption="Traffic police on duty"]
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Lawyer John Simon told Kenyans.co.ke that police are not allowed to come into contact with a suspect and termed the officers actions as unconstitutional and an infringement on Mumbi's privacy.
He added that doubts on one’s gender should be taken to a doctor for confirmation.
Regarding how far police can get in conducting a search...
