More than 50 touts were Monday night arrested in a police swoop in Nairobi for spanking female commuters and other sexual harassment offences.
Police said some of them were operating illegally, others did not have required documents and others were accused of sexual harassment.
Some passengers had raised complaints that some matatu crew usually harass them sexually, either by indecent touching, verbally or intentionally rubbing their bodies against them.
Police have urged victims to report such incidents.
Nairobi acting head of police James Mugera said sexual harassment of any nature is serious, and those affected should not keep mum.
“Let the victims come forward and report for action. We don’t take such claims lightly, and the law is there to protect them,” said Mugera.
He noted that they will also address cases where some matatu crew are now allocating themselves operating spaces.
The operation will be carried out jointly with County Government officials.
Kenyans on social media, especially women, raised concerns over what they say is the consistent sexual harassment by the public service vehicle (matatu) crews.