Two Killed in Three Days at Del Monte Kenya Farm, Tensions Rise in Murang’a

Residents gather at Del Monte Kenya’s Pineapple Field No. 19 in Murang’a County, where a man was fatally shot during protests over a previous killing.

Two families in Murang’a County are grieving after two separate deaths at Del Monte Kenya’s farm within just three days, sparking anger and calls for justice from residents and rights groups.

According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the first incident occurred on Friday when a G4S Kenya security guard contracted by the fruit processor allegedly knocked down 31-year-old vegetable vendor Michael Muiruri with a company vehicle in Gatwekera, Murang’a.

The fatal incident provoked outrage among locals, leading to protests on Tuesday. KHRC says police officers, alongside G4S guards, allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, killing 30-year-old Stephen Marubu, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

The second killing took place at Del Monte’s Pineapple Field No.19, near Kakuzi Road, under circumstances yet to be fully established. Witnesses claim security forces used excessive force, while authorities have not yet released a public statement on the matter.

KHRC has condemned both incidents, accusing the company and security agencies of gross human rights violations and urging immediate, transparent investigations.

Community members have vowed to continue pushing for accountability, insisting that those responsible be brought to justice.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: August 14, 2025