COURT RELEASES DUTCH NATIONAL WHO ASSAULTED DIANI POLICE OFFICER 

A Dutch man arrested two weeks ago for attacking a police officer in Diani, Kwale County, has been set free. A Kwale court decided he could not face trial because of his health condition.

Senior Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba made the ruling on Friday after reviewing  a medical report from Port Reitz Hospital that showed the man, Elwin Ter Horst, has bipolar disorder and another health issue that makes him unable to understand the court process.

Horst had been charged with four crimes: Drug trafficking, assault causing physical injury, damaging property, and causing a public disturbance.

Last month, a video spread online showing the foreigner shouting insults, threatening and spitting on a police officer at the Diani Police Station. This led to his arrest and detention for two weeks.

He was also accused of attacking his Kenyan girlfriend, Angela Atieno. The National Police Service had earlier condemned the man’s actions in the viral video. Their spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, called his behaviour “shameful, disgusting, and completely unacceptable.” He said such acts disrespect the authority and honour of the police.

Nyaga also praised the officers involved for showing “calmness and professionalism” even while being provoked. He said their restraint demonstrated the high level of discipline expected from police.