Killings have reportedly continued on Del Monte's expansive pineapple farm in Kenya even after the multinational food company hired the British security firm G4S to manage its security. Bereaved families and local politicians have voiced concerns, stating that three men have died in separate incidents over the past year, with allegations linking G4S guards to their deaths. This comes after previous reports detailed accusations of brutal assaults and killings of individuals suspected of trespassing on the company's land.

Del Monte Kenya outsourced its entire security operation to a team of 270 G4S guards in March 2024. This move followed a human rights impact assessment that identified the farm as a source of harm in multiple areas. The company had previously relied on an in-house security team, but the new contract with G4S, which includes collaboration with Kenyan police, was intended to enhance safety and security on the vast 40 sq km property.

However, reports from families indicate a continuation of fatal incidents. In August last year, Stephen Marubu Kibandi, 34, was allegedly shot at close range by a police officer working with G4S guards, despite a witness claiming Kibandi had his hands up in surrender. In April this year, his brother, Haron Kame Kibandi, 27, reportedly died after being struck by stones thrown by G4S guards and subsequently falling from a motorbike. A third man, 31-year-old Michael Muiruri, is said to have been killed when he was knocked off his motorbike by a G4S pickup truck.

These latest allegations raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the new security arrangements and the company's commitment to safeguarding human rights on its property. The deaths, if proven to involve G4S personnel, represent a significant challenge for both the security firm and Del Monte Kenya, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and demands for accountability.

In 2023, The Guardian reported on allegations concerning the deaths of four men on the farm over the preceding decade. The subsequent human rights impact assessment highlighted concerns across various aspects of the farm's operations, prompting Del Monte Kenya to re-evaluate its security protocols. The decision to contract G4S was presented as a measure to ensure the safety of individuals within the company and the surrounding community.

Wayne Cooke, the then acting managing director of Del Monte Kenya, stated when announcing the G4S contract that "The safety and security of each individual within our company and the surrounding community are our top priority." The current allegations cast doubt on whether this priority is being met under the new security framework.

The involvement of G4S, a globally recognized security provider, in these incidents is particularly concerning. The firm's mandate typically includes providing security services while adhering to international human rights standards. The reported actions of its guards, if confirmed, would represent a serious breach of these principles.

Families of the deceased are seeking justice and accountability for their loved ones. The ongoing nature of these incidents suggests that the underlying issues contributing to violence and loss of life on the farm have not been adequately addressed, despite the change in security providers. Further investigations are expected to determine the precise circumstances surrounding each death and the extent of G4S's involvement.