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The Del Monte pineapple farm in Murang’a County, Kenya, continues to be beset by violence, raising serious concerns among bereaved families and local politicians. Despite the hiring of G4S, a British security firm, to enhance safety, three men have lost their lives in incidents involving security personnel over the past year. These ongoing fatalities highlight an alarming trend of violence that critics argue requires urgent investigation.
Tragic Deaths and Ongoing Violence
The recent deaths of three men, including two brothers, have intensified scrutiny on the security measures at Del Monte, which spans approximately 40 square kilometres. In August 2025, Stephen Marubu Kibandi, aged 34, was shot at close range by a police officer collaborating with G4S guards. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Kibandi had raised his hands in surrender when he was shot, prompting outrage and calls for accountability.
His brother, 27-year-old Haron Kame Kibandi, succumbed to injuries in April this year after allegedly being struck by stones thrown by G4S guards, causing him to fall from a motorbike. A third victim, Michael Muiruri, aged 31, was killed when a G4S vehicle collided with the motorcycle on which he was a passenger. These incidents have raised disturbing questions about the use of force and the adequacy of security protocols at the facility.
G4S and Del Monte’s Response
Following a series of violent incidents, Del Monte Kenya outsourced all security operations to G4S in March 2024. Wayne Cooke, the then acting managing director of Del Monte Kenya, stated that ensuring the safety of all individuals on the farm is their utmost priority. However, local communities remain unconvinced, fearing that the involvement of police complicates accountability for the use of lethal force.
Despite G4S denying any wrongdoing, the alarm has been sounded by human rights advocates and local politicians, who are calling for an independent investigation into the patterns of violence associated with the farm. Joe Nyutu, a senator for Murang’a County, voiced deep concern, emphasising the need for a thorough examination of security protocols and adherence to human rights standards.
The Community’s Grief
The families of the deceased are grappling with profound loss and a sense of injustice. Harrison Kibandi Marubu, the father of Stephen and Haron, lamented the absence of his sons, who had previously worked at Del Monte as casual labourers. He expressed his anguish, stating, “I have no one to inherit me now.” Meanwhile, Haron’s wife, Caroline Wanjiku, faces the daunting challenge of raising their three-year-old daughter alone.
As families mourn, they are left with lingering questions about the actions of security personnel and the potential for further violence. Testimonies from locals suggest that G4S guards have been involved in violent encounters, raising fears that the trend could continue unchecked.
The Call for Accountability
The Kenyan police have extended their collaboration with G4S, establishing a “critical infrastructure protection unit” aimed at improving security at the site. However, critics argue that this partnership may obstruct justice, as the police are implicated in the very incidents they are meant to investigate. G4S has stated that they have shared evidence of attacks on their personnel, but have not made this footage available to the public.
The complexities surrounding these incidents underscore a systemic issue regarding security operations in the region. As the community demands action, the need for an independent investigation becomes increasingly pressing.
Why it Matters
The ongoing violence at Del Monte’s pineapple farm not only highlights serious human rights concerns but also calls into question the accountability of multinational corporations operating in Kenya. As communities face the consequences of alleged abuses, the demand for transparency and justice becomes an urgent priority. The situation reflects broader challenges in balancing economic interests with the protection of human rights, necessitating a critical examination of security practices and the role of law enforcement in corporate environments.