Dutch tourist arrested in Diani for assaulting police officer
By Shaban Omar, October 29, 2025A Dutch national who allegedly assaulted and spat on a police officer at Diani Police Station in Kwale County is yet to be arraigned in court or processed for deportation.
The man, identified as Elwin Ter Horst, faces multiple charges, including trafficking narcotic drugs, assault, malicious property damage, creating a disturbance, and being unlawfully present in Kenya.
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According to Msambweni OCPD Robinson Langat, Horst was arrested on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Boma Banda Cottage along Beach Road in Diani, following complaints that he was causing disturbances, destroying property, and assaulting his girlfriend, Angela Atieno Onduru.
Langat said officers from Diani Police Station, led by the OCS, responded promptly and found that the caretaker and guards had already rescued the woman and rushed her to Diani Beach Hospital, while the Horst had locked himself inside his room.
“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.
After a long persuasion, he eventually opened the door and was arrested.
Police recovered a whitish substance believed to be narcotic drugs weighing about three grams inside the room.
Upon further inspection, officers discovered that the suspect’s passport had expired.
Langat added that Horst was escorted to Diani Police Station and placed in lawful custody. However, while in custody, he allegedly became violent, blew mucus, and spat on a police officer.
The OCPD warned tourists visiting Kenya that the police would not tolerate any form of abuse or disrespect toward officers or citizens.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Horst has pleaded for forgiveness, claiming he was not in his right state of mind at the time of the incident.
“Apologies, I had psychological issues and needed my medicine. I didn’t have food or water for a long time,” he said, adding that he loves Kenya and hopes to stay and do business in the country.