DIANI, KENYA – A Dutch national is facing multiple charges after being arrested in Diani, Kwale County, following a widely circulated video that appears to show him verbally and physically assaulting uniformed police officers inside a police station. The incident, which occurred on or around Tuesday, October 28, 2025, has drawn public condemnation and a demand for prosecution from prominent human rights activist Boniface Mwangi.

According to police reports, the suspect was initially taken into custody from a local hotel after staff reported a violent altercation in which he allegedly assaulted his partner. Responding officers found that hotel security had already intervened and the woman had been taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries. The man had reportedly barricaded himself inside the hotel room, causing property damage before officers managed to subdue and arrest him.

During a subsequent search, authorities recovered a whitish substance suspected to be narcotic drugs, which has since been sent to the government chemist for analysis.

The situation escalated at the police station, where the suspect, appearing visibly intoxicated and dressed only in shorts, was filmed behaving aggressively toward a male and a female officer in the report office. The video shows him shouting insults, pushing furniture, and at one point, blowing mucus from his nostrils towards an officer. The footage sparked significant public debate on social media, with many Kenyans commending the officers for their professional restraint under extreme provocation.

Calls for Legal Action and Legal Context

In response to the incident, activist Boniface Mwangi publicly called for the foreigner to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, a sentiment echoed by many online. The case highlights the legal protections afforded to law enforcement officers in Kenya and the serious consequences of assault.

Under the National Police Service Act, any act of aggression or assault against a police officer on duty is a serious offense. Conviction can carry a fine of up to KES 1 million, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both. Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation is underway and have emphasized that assaulting law enforcement personnel is an offense that will be met with severe legal repercussions.

The Dutch national is expected to be arraigned in court to face several charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, malicious damage to property, creating a disturbance, possession of suspected narcotics, and misconduct in a police building.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal framework governing the conduct of both citizens and foreign nationals in Kenya. It underscores the principle that the rule of law applies equally to all, and that respect for law enforcement is a non-negotiable aspect of public order. The outcome of the impending court case will be closely watched as a measure of the justice system's commitment to protecting its officers and upholding national laws.