The Dutch national who went viral for his tirade against Kenyan police officers is set to be detained for 14 more days to allow police to conclude investigations.
In a court decision on Thursday, October 30, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (SADPP) Rosemary Nandi successfully applied for a custodial order, arguing that detectives needed more time to complete investigations into multiple offences.
The 47-year-old Dutchman was arrested at Boma Banda Cottage in Diani after reports of violent conduct. Preliminary reports indicated he assaulted his girlfriend before the cottage phoned authorities over a public disturbance.
Separately, he also assaulted officers at Diani Police Station, an offence which is being investigated alongside the others.
During Thursday's proceedings, the SADPP told the court that the suspect was under investigation for assault, malicious damage to property and resisting arrest. He is also facing drug-related charges.
Prosecution emphasised that releasing the Dutchman prematurely could compromise the integrity of the investigations and impede justice for the victims involved.
“The allegations are serious in nature, and investigations are ongoing in multiple directions,” Ms. Nandi said, adding that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) remained committed to pursuing justice “regardless of the suspect’s nationality.”
Subsequently, Senior Resident Magistrate Joy Mutimba granted the 14-day detention order, allowing police to detain the Dutchman at Port Police Station until investigations are complete.
The matter is now set for mention on November 13 to confirm the progress of the investigations and determine the next course of action.
Meanwhile, authorities in the coast have intensified crackdowns on foreign nationals suspected of engaging in criminal activities, especially in tourism hotspots like Lamu, Malindi and Diani.
On Wednesday, the suspect attempted to publicly plead his case by issuing an apology before claiming the assault on his lover was because she allegedly stole from him.
The Dutchman also claimed to be suffering from psychosis, hence his episode at the police station.
