Families and politicians say killings have continued on Del Monte's pineapple farm in Kenya even after the company brought in security firm G4S to replace its in-house team, according to a Guardian investigation.
Key facts
- Three men have been killed over the past year in incidents allegedly involving G4S guards, according to the Guardian.
- Del Monte hired G4S after the Guardian previously exposed alleged brutal assaults and killings on its farm.
- The pineapple farm is estimated to cover at least 40 sq km, roughly the area of a small city.
- Kenyan police have been working with G4S to guard the site.
Bereaved families and politicians have raised the alarm about continued killings on Del Monte’s pineapple farm in Kenya, despite the company hiring security firm G4S to replace its in-house team after earlier deaths were exposed, according to an exclusive report by the Guardian.
The Guardian reports that three men have been killed in incidents over the past year that allegedly involved G4S guards. The guards had taken over security duties following the company’s decision to change its approach to protecting the site.
Del Monte appointed G4S to guard the farm after the Guardian detailed allegations of brutal assaults and killings of people suspected of trespassing on its land. The move was intended to replace the company’s in-house security team following the previously exposed deaths.
The farm is estimated to cover at least 40 sq km, an area the Guardian compares to a small city. Its size has made securing the land against alleged trespassing a significant undertaking.
According to the Guardian, Kenyan police have been working alongside G4S to guard the site. The continued deaths reported by families come despite the change in security arrangements that was meant to address earlier concerns.
The allegations remain those raised by bereaved families and politicians as reported by the Guardian, which described the killings as taking place in incidents involving the newly appointed guards.
Why it matters
The case raises serious questions about corporate accountability and human rights on large agricultural estates supplying global markets. It also highlights the risks and responsibilities involved when major companies outsource security to private firms operating alongside national police.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have reportedly been killed on the Del Monte farm recently?
According to the Guardian, three men have been killed in incidents over the past year that allegedly involved G4S guards.
Why did Del Monte hire G4S?
The Guardian reports Del Monte appointed G4S to replace its in-house security team after the outlet detailed allegations of brutal assaults and killings of people suspected of trespassing on the farm.
How large is the Del Monte farm in Kenya?
The farm is estimated to cover at least 40 sq km, which the Guardian describes as the area of a small city.