Families and community leaders in Kenya are voicing their outrage over a series of tragic incidents at Del Monte’s expansive pineapple farm, where three men have lost their lives in the past year amid allegations of violence involving security personnel from G4S. Despite the hiring of this prominent British security firm to replace its in-house team, local residents contend that the situation remains perilous and that the use of lethal force by guards is inadequately scrutinised.
A Grim Pattern of Violence
The incidents in question have raised significant alarm among bereaved families and local politicians. Stephen Marubu Kibandi, 34, was fatally shot in August 2025 by an officer working with G4S guards after allegedly being pursued for trespassing. Witnesses assert that he had raised his hands in surrender when he was shot, a claim corroborated by a post-mortem report that cited a perforating chest injury as the cause of death. His brother, Haron Kame Kibandi, 27, succumbed to injuries in April 2026 after reportedly being struck by stones thrown by G4S personnel, leading to a fatal fall from a motorbike. A third victim, Michael Muiruri, aged 31, died following impacts with a G4S vehicle while riding as a passenger.
These deaths have prompted renewed scrutiny of the security measures employed at the farm, which spans an area equivalent to a small city. The Kenyan police have partnered with G4S to enhance security, particularly amid ongoing issues of pineapple theft that have plagued the farm for years.
Community Outcry and Demands for Investigation
Local leaders, including a senator from Murang’a County, are calling for an independent investigation into the violent incidents. Politicians and campaigners fear that the involvement of police makes it increasingly difficult to hold those responsible accountable, contributing to a culture of impunity. The farm’s operations, which generate over $100 million annually and supply several UK supermarkets, underscore the economic stakes involved.
A recent human rights impact assessment revealed systemic issues related to the farm’s security protocols, prompting Del Monte to outsource its security operations entirely to G4S in March 2024. Wayne Cooke, then acting managing director of Del Monte Kenya, emphasised the company’s commitment to safety and community security in announcing this change.
The Human Cost of Security Failures
The implications of these incidents extend beyond the immediate tragedies, affecting the families left behind. Harrison Kibandi Marubu, father of the two deceased brothers, lamented the loss of his sons, expressing despair over the inability of the justice system to protect them. “I never imagined my sons would be in danger in this way,” he stated, highlighting the profound grief that has enveloped his family. Haron’s widow, Caroline Wanjiku, faces the daunting task of raising their young daughter alone, illustrating the long-lasting impact
