Elwin Ter Horst being escorted by police out of Diani police station/COURTESYA Dutch national who was captured in a viral video provoking police officers at Diani Police Station in Kwale County has issued a public apology.
Elwin Ter Horst, who appeared remorseful as he was being escorted to court, said he deeply regretted the incident and expressed his desire to make amends.
He blamed his behaviour on a bout of psychosis and lack of medication.
“I apologise. I was struggling with psychosis and needed my medicine. I had not had water or food for a long time,” he said.
“I call on the people of Kenya to help me. I want to stay here, invest here, and help the people of Kenya. I will have respect, my apologies for shouting.”
Horst was taken to court to face charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and creating a disturbance both at private cottages and within the police station.
The National Police Service (NPS) has since lauded its officers for their restraint and professionalism during the incident, which occurred on October 28.
In a statement on Wednesday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Dutch national’s actions were “crass, despicable, and utterly unacceptable,” adding that the officers had acted with maturity despite extreme provocation.
“The National Police Service strongly condemns this act in the strongest possible terms, emphasising that such conduct cannot and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Nyaga said.
A video circulating online shows Horst confronting officers, shouting abuse, and at one point blowing his nose towards one of them before smearing the mucus on the officer’s trousers.
NPS described the assault as “an affront to the rule of law and an attack on the integrity and dignity of the service,” but reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professionalism and human rights.
“The Service commends the officers involved for their restraint, professionalism, and composure in the face of extreme provocation. Their conduct reflects the discipline and maturity expected of law enforcement officers and serves as a model for others to emulate,” the statement read in part.
The police further linked the calm handling of the situation to ongoing police reforms that emphasise discipline, respect for human rights, and modern policing standards.
Horst, who said he has applied for an investment permit, maintained that he wishes to stay and do business in Kenya, pledging to respect the law moving forward.
“I want to live in this country. I have just applied for an investment permit,” he said.
