The ongoing violence at Del Monte’s expansive pineapple farm in Kenya has escalated concerns among bereaved families and human rights advocates following the deaths of three men over the past year. The multinational food giant, which recently enlisted the British security firm G4S to oversee safety operations, finds itself under scrutiny as witnesses allege that G4S guards were involved in these tragic incidents.
Unfolding Tragedy: The Lives Lost
The deaths of Stephen Marubu Kibandi, Haron Kame Kibandi, and Michael Muiruri have cast a shadow over the Del Monte farm, situated in Murang’a county. The incidents have raised significant alarm, particularly as they occurred after G4S replaced an in-house security team amid earlier allegations of violent conduct towards trespassers.
In August 2025, Stephen Marubu Kibandi was shot at close range by a police officer working with G4S guards. Eyewitness accounts indicate he was shot while surrendering, raising serious questions about the use of lethal force in such situations. His brother Haron followed in April 2026, suffering a fatal head injury allegedly caused by stones thrown by G4S guards. The third victim, Michael Muiruri, was killed in a collision with a G4S vehicle.
These incidents have not only devastated the Kibandi family but have also spotlighted a pattern of violence that critics argue is indicative of deeper systemic issues within the security operations at the farm.
G4S’s Role Under Fire
The involvement of G4S has drawn intense criticism, particularly in light of their responsibility to protect both the workforce and the surrounding community. After previous allegations of human rights violations, the company was brought in to improve security protocols. However, the recent fatalities have led to renewed calls for accountability.
Senator Joe Nyutu from Murang’a county has called for an independent investigation into the events surrounding the deaths, stating: “Repeated incidents over a relatively short period point to systemic issues that require examination, including security protocols and adherence to human rights standards.” The implementation of a “critical infrastructure protection unit” by the Kenyan police, in collaboration with G4S, has further complicated the situation, as it may inhibit the prosecution of any alleged abuses.
G4S has publicly denied wrongdoing, asserting that their guards have undergone extensive training in human rights and the principles of minimum force. Nevertheless, the community remains sceptical, with many fearing that the police’s involvement will make it challenging to hold those responsible accountable.
The Impact on Local Families
The aftermath of these tragic events has left families shattered. Harrison Kibandi, the father of Stephen and Haron, expressed his profound grief, lamenting the loss of his sons who once worked at Del Monte. “I have no one to
