Killings continue on Del Monte farm in Kenya, families say, after G4S hired for security

Killings and human rights abuses are continuing on a Del Monte pineapple farm in Kenya despite the company hiring G4S, one of the world's largest security firms, to address the violence that has plagued the operation for years, according to testimony from families of victims and community organisations.

The farm, which covers approximately 20,000 hectares in Murang'a County and supplies fruit to European supermarkets, has been the site of persistent violence linked to disputes over land, water and labour. Local residents say that security guards employed by G4S, which was hired by Del Monte following an earlier scandal over human rights abuses, have been involved in killings, assaults and intimidation of community members.

G4S has denied the allegations and said its personnel operate in accordance with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, an international standard for security provision in conflict-affected areas. Del Monte has also denied the allegations and said it is committed to the highest standards of human rights and environmental protection.

The allegations have been documented by human rights organisations including the Kenya Human Rights Commission, which has called for an independent investigation into the conduct of both Del Monte and G4S. The organisations say that at least fifteen people have been killed in incidents connected to the farm since G4S was contracted, and that many more have been injured or displaced.

The case raises uncomfortable questions for the British companies that source fruit from the farm and for the UK government, which has made responsible business conduct a centrepiece of its trade policy. The government has said it is aware of the allegations and is discussing them with the Kenyan authorities.