Despite the multinational food company Del Monte hiring British security firm G4S to replace its in-house team after previous deaths were exposed, killings on its sprawling pineapple farm in Kenya have continued, according to bereaved families, local politicians, and human rights groups. An exclusive investigation by the Guardian has revealed that three men have been killed over the past year in incidents allegedly involving G4S guards, who now patrol the vast 40-square-kilometer plantation alongside Kenyan police.
A History of Violence
The Del Monte farm in Thika, Kenya, has long been a flashpoint for violence. In 2021, the Guardian detailed allegations of brutal assaults and killings of people suspected of trespassing on the land. In response, Del Monte appointed G4S, a London-listed security giant, to guard the site. However, families and activists say the change has not brought safety. Instead, they claim, the violence has continued with impunity.
“They don’t value life,” said one mother whose son was killed on the farm. “As a parent, I lost hope for justice.”
Recent Incidents Under Scrutiny
According to sources, at least four suspected killings on the farm are now being investigated by Kenyan police. In one case, a man was shot dead by guards who claimed he was a trespasser. In another, a worker was allegedly beaten to death. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for independent inquiries. The Cayman Compass reported that Del Monte’s Cayman-registered parent company has denied liability, stating that the plantation is operated by a separate entity. However, critics argue that the corporate structure allows Del Monte to avoid accountability.
Conflicting Accounts and Cover-Up Allegations
Del Monte Kenya representatives have been accused of seeking to cover up the circumstances of the deaths. In one instance, a family was offered money to remain silent. The Nation Africa reported that local leaders have demanded justice, with one member of parliament stating, “Violence, torture, and killings with impunity by Del Monte guards must stop.” Meanwhile, G4S has said it is cooperating with authorities but declined to comment on specific incidents.
Broader Context: Corporate Security in Africa
The case highlights the growing use of private security firms by multinational corporations in Africa, often in regions with weak law enforcement. Critics argue that this outsourcing can lead to human rights abuses, as guards operate with minimal oversight. The US military’s secret air war in Somalia, also criticized by Amnesty, underscores a broader pattern of violence and impunity in the region.
Families Demand Justice
For the families of the victims, the pain is compounded by a lack of accountability. “Who killed Raymond Moi’s farm worker?” asked one headline, reflecting the frustration of those who say the justice system has failed them. In a separate case, a family in Baringo is demanding answers after a worker was killed on a farm linked to a prominent political family. While not directly connected to Del Monte, it illustrates the pervasive nature of plantation violence in Kenya.
Human rights groups have called on the Kenyan government to investigate all deaths on the Del Monte farm and to hold those responsible to account. They also urge Del Monte and G4S to implement transparent security protocols and ensure that guards are properly trained and monitored.
Conclusion
The continued killings on the Del Monte farm raise serious questions about corporate responsibility and the effectiveness of private security. As families fight for answers, the world watches to see whether justice will finally be served or if the cycle of violence will persist.
