Dutch national arrested in Diani, faces deportation after assault, spitting on police officer
Msambweni Police Commander Robinson Langat confirmed that the suspect faces several charges, including assault, possession of narcotic drugs, malicious damage to property, creating a disturbance and being unlawfully present in Kenya.
A Dutch national arrested in Diani, Kwale County, has been arraigned at the Kwale Law Courts after allegedly assaulting his Kenyan girlfriend and being filmed insulting and spitting at a police officer in Diani.
Elwin Ter Horst is facing deportation following his unruly conduct.
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Horst, who was captured on a viral video hurling insults and blowing mucus at an officer at Diani Police Station, was detained on Tuesday evening after reportedly assaulting his girlfriend and causing a disturbance at a local hotel.
According to a police report, officers were alerted by the management of Boma Banda Cottage along Beach Road in Diani after the foreigner allegedly became violent and damaged property inside his room.
“It was further established that the suspect, who is a foreigner, had caused damage in the cottage and had locked himself inside his booked room,” reads the report.
When police officers arrived, they found that the caretaker and a security guard had already rescued the suspect’s girlfriend, 32-year-old Angela Atieno Onduru, who had been assaulted. She was later taken to Diani Beach Hospital for treatment.
Police said Horst initially refused to open the door despite repeated pleas. After a prolonged standoff, he finally complied, allowing officers to access the room, where they recovered a whitish substance suspected to be narcotic drugs weighing about three grams.
Horst was then taken to Diani Police Station, where he allegedly became unruly. A video that later went viral showed the Dutch national appearing intoxicated, shouting at officers and spitting mucus and saliva on a uniformed policeman.
Despite the provocation, the officer remained calm and avoided confrontation.
The footage sparked widespread outrage online, with many Kenyans demanding strict action and his deportation. Some netizens also claimed that Horst had been involved in similar incidents in Nairobi, Malindi, Watamu and Mtwapa.
Msambweni Police Commander Robinson Langat confirmed that the suspect faces several charges, including assault, possession of narcotic drugs, malicious damage to property, creating a disturbance and being unlawfully present in Kenya.
“Police officers from Diani Police Station, under the command of the OCS, rushed to the cottage and established that the caretaker and guards had rescued the girlfriend and taken her to the hospital, but the suspect had locked himself in his booked room,” Langat said.
He added that Horst’s passport had expired, making his stay in the country illegal.
“All visitors coming to Kenya, whether for tourism or business, must respect the laws of the country. Any form of abuse or misconduct will lead to prosecution and deportation,” Langat warned.
The police commander also confirmed that plans are underway to deport Horst once court proceedings are concluded.
Horst, who has since appeared before the Kwale Law Courts, apologised for his behaviour, attributing it to mental distress and lack of medication.
“I have psychosis; I need my medicine… I did not have water and food for a long time,” he said, identifying himself as “Mufasa.”
He further pleaded for forgiveness, saying he was not in his right state of mind at the time of the incident.
“I call on the help of the people of Kenya. My name is Mufasa. I want to stay, live and invest in this country. I have just applied for an investment pyramid. I want to do business here and help people in Kenya. I will have respect. My apologies that I was shouting and misbehaving,” he said.
The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the verbal assault and public harassment of police officers by Horst, terming the act unacceptable and a direct affront to the rule of law.
In a statement on Wednesday, NPS said the incident by Dutch national Elwin Ter Horst on October 28 was “crass, despicable and utterly unacceptable,” warning that such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
NPS said such behaviour by a suspect in lawful custody was reprehensible and would be met with firm legal action.
“The National Police Service (NPS) strongly condemns a recent incident involving the verbal assault and public harassment of police officers by a suspect in Diani, Kwale County. The feedback received is unanimous; this was crass, despicable and utterly unacceptable behaviour by a suspect in lawful custody,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
Nyaga noted that the suspect will be arraigned in court to face appropriate legal action, stressing that “any attack—whether verbal, physical, or otherwise- against a police officer constitutes an affront to the rule of law and undermines the integrity and dignity of the National Police Service.”
The Service also commended the officers involved for maintaining restraint and professionalism despite extreme provocation, saying their conduct reflects the high level of discipline and maturity expected of law enforcement officers and serves as a model for others to emulate.
“The restraint demonstrated by the officers highlights the remarkable progress achieved through ongoing police reforms. These reforms continue to enhance professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights within the Service,” Nyaga said.
“They are anchored on comprehensive training, the adoption of modern policing tools, improved welfare and infrastructure, and a strong focus on community engagement and gender responsiveness.”
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public safety, and protecting the rights of all citizens, residents, and visitors. However, it warned that it will not hesitate to take lawful action against anyone undermining police authority or interfering with officers performing their duties.
“The Service will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against any individual who undermines police authority or interferes with officers discharging their duties,” NPS said.
The public has also been urged to cooperate with police officers and channel any grievances through established mechanisms rather than resorting to abusive or violent behaviour.
“Mutual respect between the police and the public remains fundamental to a peaceful and orderly society,” NPS said, reiterating its mission to serve, protect and maintain law and order across the country with professionalism and integrity.
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