Audio By Carbonatix
A Kenyan female bus conductor who has a beard has shared how she was stripped naked in a police cell to confirm her gender.
Theresia Mumbi told BBC Swahili that traffic police in the capital, Nairobi, arrested her and held in a cell with other women.
"Two officers came and told me to take off my clothes. They then examined me. I’m not sure what they saw but they told me to return to my cell," she said.
She says that the July 2018 arrest over identification documents is still fresh in her mind. She presented her documents and was let go.
Ms Mumbi's experience made her an advocate for women with unusual features and now she tells her story to create awareness and encourage others to speak out when harassed.
Ms Mumbi was diagnosed with hormonal imbalance that resulted to her having a beard.
As a young woman she had to shave her beard often until her skin got irritated by the frequent shaving.
"Some years back I had to suspend shaving at some point because my skin was becoming irritable and the stubborn sores were a problem," she said.
The beard grew and she started hiding from people opting to shop at night.
Pushed by the hard economic times she became a bus conductor to earn a living.
While at work she meets women with unique conditions and encourages them.
She is part of an association of bearded women in Kenya and during their meetings she speaks to the younger women.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Baffour Awuah: EOCO effected an arrest, detained MP after hours of waiting, questioning – Afenyo-Markin
9 minutes -
EOCO court warrant authorised search of Baffour Awuah’s law firm, not residence – Afenyo-Markin
24 minutes -
NPP delegates conference: 3,000 to 4,000 police personnel deployed for security in Kumasi – Anthony Karbo
26 minutes -
KGL Foundation commits $200,000 to support juvenile football for the next two years
42 minutes -
UNDP invites Mahama Ayariga to Northern Peace Conference in Tamale
47 minutes -
Afoko can give NPP ‘new identity’ ahead of 2028 to overcome NDC – Political scientist, Dr Amakye-Boateng
1 hour -
2 injured amid gunshots during raid at Nawara Mining office at Nsuapemso
1 hour -
St Augustine’s College retains 2026 National Investment Quiz title
1 hour -
KNUST Nursing and Midwifery School staff recognised at 2026 Health Ministry Excellence Awards
1 hour -
JoyNews’ Esther Esi Nkrumah selected for UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology Fellowship
1 hour -
Five NDC youth organisers in Western Region pay courtesy call on Armah-Kofi Buah
2 hours -
NACOC demands tighter port controls to prevent Tema Harbour drug trafficking
2 hours -
Ghana’s startup ecosystem must build sustainability into innovation – Ghana Hubs Network
2 hours -
Friday’s beachfront demolition was carried out at Labadi Beach Hotel’s request, not for flood mitigation – Stan Dogbe
2 hours -
LA 2028: Mukarama returns to Black Queens squad for Olympic Games qualifiers
2 hours