In the heart of rural Kenya, a distressing incident has emerged, drawing attention to the ongoing violence and human rights violations associated with Del Monte’s pineapple farm operations. The latest allegations involve security staff from G4S, a global contractor that recently took over security duties from Del Monte’s previous guards. This change followed a series of disturbing reports highlighting the brutal treatment of locals in the vicinity of the farm, which has long been marred by accusations of violence and abuse.

Duncan Ndegwa, a 55-year-old pump operator, found himself in a nightmarish situation when he was allegedly attacked by G4S guards after being mistaken for a thief. Ndegwa was returning home on his motorbike after visiting family when he inadvertently encountered a group of security guards chasing suspected thieves through the vast expanse of the Del Monte plantation. The farm, sprawling across the borders of Murang’a and Kiambu counties, has become a flashpoint for conflict between local residents and the company’s security personnel.

According to Ndegwa, the encounter escalated rapidly. He claims that after being apprehended, he was stripped of his boots, beaten with batons and sticks, and dragged away barefoot to a nearby rural house. “When I felt overwhelmed by the beating, I started begging them to take me to the police station if indeed I was a pineapple thief,” Ndegwa recounted, desperately seeking a way to end the violence.

This alleged attack, which reportedly occurred in May, is particularly alarming as it marks the first known instance of violence linked to G4S at the Del Monte farm. The company had previously taken over security operations after Del Monte dismissed over 200 of its guards following recommendations from a human rights report prompted by earlier revelations of violence.

In response to the allegations, G4S stated that it was fully cooperating with local police and denied any suggestion that Ndegwa had been physically assaulted. The company insisted that Ndegwa was found stealing pineapples along with an accomplice. This assertion, however, has been met with skepticism by local residents and advocacy groups, who have long criticized the aggressive tactics employed by security personnel at the farm.

The local community, plagued by high levels of poverty and unemployment, has expressed ongoing frustrations with Del Monte’s security measures. Tensions have escalated in recent years as young men from surrounding areas have increasingly turned to theft to survive, often resulting in violent confrontations with security guards. This cycle of violence has created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and distrust within the community.

Prior to G4S’s takeover, the previous security staff faced accusations of brutality, including a notable incident in 2021 when guards attacked a group returning from a party, leaving several injured. Del Monte had claimed to take these allegations seriously and initiated investigations, yet the situation remains dire, with incidents of violence continuing under the new contractor.

Ndegwa’s account details not only the physical assault but also the subsequent theft of his belongings. After the guards confiscated his motorbike, they allegedly forced him to transfer money from his account to one of the security personnel. Evidence obtained by TBIJ reveals that a bank statement confirms a transfer of 299 KES (approximately £1.75) from Ndegwa’s account to a G4S employee’s account during the alleged attack. This financial exploitation adds another layer of complexity to an already troubling narrative of abuse and power dynamics.

In his statement to police, Ndegwa recounted how he was stopped on the public road by multiple guards who assaulted him and took his belongings. He described waking up in a remote area the following day, disoriented and injured. The physical evidence of the assault was corroborated by colleagues and medical professionals who treated him. Ndegwa suffered two fractured fingers and various other injuries, leading to a prolonged absence from work.

Irene Otieno, a supervisor at a neighboring agricultural company, provided immediate assistance to Ndegwa following the attack. She described his condition as alarming, noting the extent of his injuries and the urgent need for medical care. Ndegwa was prescribed antibiotics and required a splint, highlighting the seriousness of the physical assault he endured.

Despite the gravity of Ndegwa’s allegations and the compelling evidence presented, accountability remains elusive. Kiambu County police chief Michael Muchiri acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but indicated that jurisdictional issues may complicate the investigation. TBIJ pointed out that the police department responsible for handling the case indeed falls within Kiambu County, yet responses to inquiries have been lacking.

This lack of accountability is emblematic of a broader systemic issue affecting communities living near large agricultural operations. The failure to hold security personnel accountable for violence perpetuates a cycle of abuse and instills fear among locals who have little recourse against such acts. Many residents remain hesitant to report incidents for fear of retaliation or further violence.

Both Del Monte and G4S are now under scrutiny as calls for accountability grow louder. While G4S has maintained its commitment to working with local communities, skepticism remains about the effectiveness of such pledges. The cycle of violence appears deeply ingrained in the operational practices of security personnel assigned to protect corporate interests, often at the expense of community safety and well-being.

The local population continues to live in a state of tension, with fears of further violence always present. Many individuals, like Ndegwa, find themselves caught in a precarious situation, struggling to navigate the complexities of survival in an environment where economic desperation collides with aggressive corporate security measures.

The allegations against G4S and the disturbing patterns of violence associated with Del Monte’s pineapple farm highlight a critical need for reform in corporate security practices. The local community deserves protection, not violence, and the companies operating in these regions must prioritize human rights and safety over profit and control.

As Ndegwa continues to seek justice and the return of his motorbike, the broader implications of these incidents resonate throughout the community. There is a pressing need for systemic change to ensure accountability and protect the rights of those who live in the shadow of powerful corporations. Until such changes are implemented, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, leaving vulnerable communities at the mercy of corporate interests.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel