By Andrew Kariuki
A Kwale court has ordered the continued detention of a Dutch national, Elwin Ter Horst, for 14 days to allow police to complete investigations into allegations of assault, disturbance and possible drug trafficking.
Ter Horst, 47, was arrested at Boma Banda Cottage in Diani after allegedly attacking police officers, spitting on one of them and vandalizing property at Diani Police Station.
He is also accused of assaulting his Kenyan girlfriend, Angela Atieno, in a separate incident.
During the proceedings, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP) Rosemary Nandi urged the court to grant custodial orders, citing the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect witnesses while investigations continue.
She told the court that detectives were pursuing leads related to assault, malicious damage to property, resisting arrest and suspected drug related offences.
Ms. Nandi argued that releasing the suspect at this stage could compromise the probe, adding that the DPP’s office remains committed to ensuring accountability and justice without regard to nationality.
Senior Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba granted the request, directing that Ter Horst be detained at Port Police Station for 14 days.
The matter will be mentioned on November 13, 2025, when the court will review the progress of the ongoing investigations.
