Rights groups call for cancellation of Del Monte’s certification over abuses, killings

Human rights organisations  have called for arrest and prosecution of a G4S guard involved in the assault and murder  of 31-year-old vegetable vendor Michael Muiruri last week at Del Monte Kenya’s plantation in Kiambu County.

In a statement, Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Ndula Resource Centre, also demanded for public disclosure of the investigation findings and full compensation for Muiruri’s family as well as reparations for affected communities,

They also called for legal accountability for both Del Monte and G4S, including the imposition of strict licensing conditions or suspension where violations occur.

Further, the  human Rights defenders have called for the suspension of Del Monte’s SA8000 social accountability certification, its ISO9002 quality management certification, and contracts with international buyers until the company complies with human rights obligations, as well as the reopening and fast-tracking of unresolved cases involving deaths, torture, and sexual violence linked to Del Monte’s security, including the December 2023 killings.

“We will not relent until there is justice for Muiruri’s family and all communities that have suffered under this violence. These demands are necessary to end the impunity that has enabled such abuses to continue for years,” they said in the statement.

Reports indicate that Muiruri was allegedly killed by a G4S guard contracted by Del Monte Kenya, in what has been described as a continued pattern of violence tied to the multinational plantations.

The killing occurred between 8am and 9am last Friday in Gatwekera, Murang’a County.

According to the reports, Muiruri was being driven on a motorcycle by his friend, 24-year-old Brian Kuria, when the guard, driving a vehicle, allegedly rammed into them, suspecting him of stealing pineapples.

Muiruri, however, was a vegetable trader heading home from Thika’s Makongeni market after selling his produce.

Kuria rushed him to a local clinic for first aid before he was referred to Thika Level 5 Hospital.

His family found him unresponsive and  doctors confirmed him dead at around 1 pm.

An autopsy conducted on Monday revealed he died from multiple injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident.

“The G4S guard was driving a Toyota Hilux, registration KBZ 441E. Police later impounded the vehicle and Kuria’s motorcycle, both bearing visible damage consistent with the reported impact,” the human Rights defenders explained.

When Muiruri’s family and Kuria went to Ngati Police Station to report the matter, the same guard, as reported by KHRC and Ndula Resource Centre, allegedly pursued them, almost knocking them down again.

The case is recorded under OB number 12/08/08/2025.

KHRC and Ndula Resource Centre say the killing mirrors a wider pattern of intimidation and lethal force by security personnel guarding multinational plantations.

“This case is yet another example of how residents continue to face harassment, injury, and even death at the hands of security staff.”

They recalled a December 2023 case in which four men were found dead near Del Monte’s Thika plantation after being accused of stealing pineapples.

Witnesses claimed they were beaten by company guards, thrown into the Chania River, and left to die.

In March 2024, Del Monte announced it had terminated the services of 214 in-house guards and outsourced security operations to G4S, but community members told KHRC and Ndula Resource Centre that abuses have continued.

G4S has also been linked to past allegations of torture and rape in Kwale during a land dispute involving Bamburi Portland Cement Ltd.