Three men, including two brothers, have been killed in separate incidents over the past year on Del Monte's pineapple farm in Kenya, allegedly involving guards from G4S, the company hired to replace the farm's in-house security team after previous deaths were exposed by the Guardian. Bereaved families and politicians have raised alarm about the continued violence, despite Del Monte appointing G4S to guard the vast farm, which covers an estimated 40 square kilometres.
Details of the Killings
Stephen Marubu Kibandi, 34, was shot in the chest from close range by a police officer working alongside G4S guards last August. A witness said Kibandi raised his hands in surrender before being shot. His brother, Haron Kame Kibandi, 27, died in April this year after allegedly being struck on the head by stones thrown by G4S guards and falling from a motorbike. A third man, Michael Muiruri, 31, was killed after being knocked off a motorbike by a G4S pickup truck.
In 2023, the Guardian revealed allegations about the killing of four men at the farm over a decade. Security was reviewed as part of a human rights impact assessment, which found that the farm was causing human rights harms across several areas. In March 2024, Del Monte Kenya outsourced all security to a team of 270 G4S guards.
G4S and Police Response
Announcing the deal, Wayne Cooke, then acting managing director of Del Monte Kenya, said: "The safety and security of each individual within our company and the surrounding community are our top priority." This year, the Kenyan police extended their work with G4S, setting up a "critical infrastructure protection unit" to help improve security at the farm.
Campaigners fear more deaths because the involvement of police makes the use of lethal force more difficult to prosecute. G4S denies wrongdoing. A G4S spokesperson said: "G4S security officers working at Del Monte sites have undertaken comprehensive training, including operational procedures, human rights awareness, de-escalation techniques and the principles of minimum use of defensive force." The spokesperson added that the matters raised either relate to police operations or road traffic accidents investigated by Kenyan police.
Witness Accounts and Family Grief
Stephen Nderitu, who witnessed Kibandi's shooting, said: "There were two policemen and two G4S guards about 50 metres from where we were when I saw one of them point a gun at us and I jumped into the nearby thickets. Marubu held up both his hands and I heard a gunshot and saw him go down." The local MP, Mary Wamaua Waithira, condemned the shooting: "Why shoot someone who has surrendered? He had lifted his hands up. We want the commanding officer for Ngati police station removed."
Kennedy Kiarie, who was riding the motorbike when Haron was hit by stones, admitted they were stealing pineapples. He said: "I saw a G4S Land Cruiser with about six guards and two policemen parked as if laying an ambush. As we approached, they shouted and started throwing stones. I felt Haron leaning towards my right as if he was falling." He added: "I think stoning someone on a bike is brutal and they should just find ways of arresting thieves and taking them to court."
Margaret Njeri Murigi, mother of Michael Muiruri, said her son died within three hours of being knocked off the bike. "He said they were hit from behind by a G4S car. He was bleeding from the mouth and had held his abdomen," she said. "Every time I pass by Del Monte I feel a lot of pain. Even if he had gone into the farms, why didn't they arrest him and take him to court?"
Calls for Independent Investigation
Joe Nyutu, senator for Murang'a county, said he was "deeply concerned" and called for a comprehensive and independent investigation. "No company operating in Kenya, regardless of its size or economic contribution, should be beyond scrutiny," he said. Clement Kamau, who heads Kagama Community Action Forum and is documenting alleged human rights abuses, said: "They have armed policemen inside their vehicles and that means they have more power and even when you report violence, it's the same policemen you will be dealing with."
A Kenyan police spokesperson said: "The involvement of the national police in Del Monte farm's security was a well thought-out arrangement meant to not only secure a strategic investment in the country but also reinforce a firm measure of the rule of law and an end to impunity."
Harrison Kibandi Marubu, father of Stephen and Haron, said: "I have no one to inherit me now. If I had the power to do something, I would show my anger towards G4S and Del Monte for what they have done to me. Must all the suspected thieves be killed? They don't deserve to be condemned to the grave."
A source at Del Monte Kenya said G4S was appointed for its "strong commitment to maintaining human rights standards" and that the company investigates instances of wrongdoing and takes appropriate action.
