Families and local politicians are raising urgent alarms in Kenya regarding a spate of killings at Del Monte’s expansive pineapple farm, despite the multinational corporation’s attempts to enhance security through a British firm, G4S. The tragic deaths of three men within the last year, allegedly involving security personnel from G4S, have reignited discussions about human rights violations in the region and the effectiveness of the new security arrangements.
A Troubling Pattern of Violence
The farm, situated in Murang’a County, spans approximately 40 square kilometres and is a significant player in the Kenyan agricultural sector, exporting produce worth more than $100 million annually, including to major UK supermarkets. The company’s decision to replace its in-house security team with G4S came after a series of violent incidents were uncovered, prompting a human rights impact assessment that highlighted systemic human rights concerns at the farm.
Recent reports indicate that three men have died under questionable circumstances linked to G4S guards. Among them, Stephen Marubu Kibandi was fatally shot in August 2025 while allegedly surrendering, as he was surrounded by police and G4S personnel. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he raised his hands in an act of submission before being shot, igniting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Haron Kame Kibandi, Stephen’s younger brother, met a tragic end in April 2026. He suffered severe head injuries reportedly from stones thrown by G4S guards, leading to a fatal accident while riding a motorbike. The third victim, Michael Muiruri, died in similar distressing circumstances when a G4S vehicle collided with him while he was a passenger on a motorbike.
Calls for Accountability
The incidents have drawn the attention of local authorities and human rights advocates, with a Kenyan senator calling for an independent investigation into the ongoing violence at the farm. Joe Nyutu, the senator for Murang’a County, expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of these events and the implications they have on security protocols and human rights. He emphasised that no corporation, regardless of its economic contributions, should operate beyond scrutiny.
In response to the deaths, Del Monte Kenya has reiterated its commitment to the safety of its employees and surrounding communities. The company appointed G4S in March 2024 to manage security, with Wayne Cooke, then acting managing director, stating that the safety of individuals was a top priority. However, campaigners fear that the presence of police alongside G4S may complicate efforts to prosecute wrongful acts, as the use of lethal force becomes more difficult to challenge.
Community Impact and Human Rights Concerns
The impact of these tragedies extends beyond the immediate victims; families like that of Harrison Kibandi, who lost both of his sons, are left to grapple with profound grief and loss. The brothers had previously worked as casual labourers at Del Monte, which adds a layer of tragedy to their untimely deaths. Their father lamented, “I have no one to inherit me now,” reflecting the deep emotional scars inflicted on the community.
Witness accounts from the scene of Stephen’s death reveal a chaotic environment where police and security forces clashed with individuals they suspected of theft. The tension in the area has led to protests and further unrest, raising questions about the methods employed by G4S and police in managing security and theft at the farm.
The Role of G4S and Del Monte
While G4S maintains that the incidents were isolated and denies any wrongdoing, the community’s trust in the security firm has dwindled. Local residents have reported numerous instances where G4S guards allegedly employed excessive force against those suspected of stealing. The involvement of police in security operations at the farm has also been critiqued, with concerns that it could lead to a culture of impunity.
Both G4S and Del Monte Kenya have assured that they are committed to upholding human rights standards and have implemented training for their security personnel. However, local leaders and human rights defenders urge for a more profound examination of the systemic issues at play, calling for transparency and an end to violence against the community.
Why it Matters
The unfolding events at Del Monte’s pineapple farm raise crucial questions about corporate responsibility, human rights, and the treatment of communities surrounding large agricultural enterprises in Kenya. As the nation grapples with these issues, the call for accountability and reform becomes increasingly urgent, not only to seek justice for the families affected but also to establish a framework that protects human rights across the agricultural sector. The response of the Kenyan authorities and Del Monte will be pivotal in shaping the future of corporate security practices and community relations in the region.
