Dutch national caught on camera harassing, spitting on police officers after arrest in Diani

A Dutch national, Elwin Ter Horst, has caused public uproar after his arrest in Diani, Kwale County. He was accused of assaulting his girlfriend and later behaving aggressively towards police officers.

The incident, which was caught on video, has been shared widely on social media and raised serious questions about how Kenyan police treat foreigners compared to local citizens.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), Ter Horst was arrested after reports that he assaulted his girlfriend and damaged property at a local cottage. When police arrived, the situation reportedly worsened, leading to his detention.

A Dutch national was arrested in Diani, Kwale County, following allegations of assault against his girlfriend at a local cottage and subsequent misconduct towards police officers during the arrest.

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody as... pic.twitter.com/AH8JpwLl4h

- Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) October 28, 2025

A video shared widely shared on social media shows Ter Horst in a police station, shouting insults and threatening officers. In the clip, the Dutchman uses profane language and gestures aggressively, while the officers remain calm and avoid physical confrontation.

According to a police report from Diani Police Station under Msambweni Sub-County, the incident occurred on 28 October 2025 and was logged under OB 32/28/10/2025 at 15:35 hours.

Officers were alerted by the management of Boma Banda Cottage, located along Beach Road in Diani township, who reported that one of their guests was causing a disturbance and assaulting his girlfriend.

Police officers, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), immediately responded and arrived at the scene, approximately five kilometres east of the station.

Upon arrival, they found that the caretaker and security guards had already intervened and rescued the woman, identified as Angela Atieno Onduru, a 32-year-old Kenyan of Luo descent. She was rushed to Diani Beach Hospital for treatment.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Elwin Ter Horst had locked himself inside his booked room after reportedly damaging property at the cottage. Despite repeated requests, he refused to open the door, forcing officers to spend several minutes persuading him to surrender.

When he finally opened the door, police conducted a quick search and recovered approximately three grams of a whitish substance suspected to be narcotic drugs. The suspect, who appeared to be intoxicated, was then escorted to Diani Police Station, where he was placed in lawful custody.

Police say Ter Horst is facing several charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and creating a disturbance at the cottage. A further count was added after CCTV footage captured him causing a disturbance inside the police station by allegedly blowing mucus through his nostrils onto a uniformed officer on duty at the report office.

The case is currently under investigation by Diani Police Station's Criminal Investigations Unit, with officers confirming that the suspect remains in custody as inquiries continue.

This reaction has angered many Kenyans online.

Social media users have pointed out that local citizens are often treated far more harshly by police in similar or even lesser situations. One user commented, "If this were a Kenyan, they'd be in hospital by now."

The video has renewed debate about bias and double standards within Kenya's law enforcement system.

Many people believe foreigners are treated with more leniency, while locals often face brutality, especially during protests or arrests.

The National Police Service has confirmed that Ter Horst is still in custody as investigations continue. However, the public has criticised the officers' passive response during his outburst, saying it reflects poorly on police fairness and discipline.

This incident comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement is already low, following complaints of excessive force during recent anti-government protests.