Del Monte partners with police to overhaul security after abuse claims
A Del Monte shop in Thika.
What you need to know:
- Del Monte, which employs 6,000 people in Kenya, has faced accusations of abuse and violence.
- Security guards at the company have been accused of brutally assaulting and killing local villagers, often alleged to be trespassers or petty pineapple thieves.
- The company denied any wrongdoing and fired around 250 guards, outsourcing security to third-party firm, G4S.
Del Monte Kenya Ltd has entered into a formal partnership with the Administration Police Service to restructure and strengthen security operations across its organisation.
Previously, security guards have been accused of brutally assaulting and killing local villagers, often alleged to be trespassers or petty pineapple thieves, with deaths being reported despite improved security protocols.
The company, which employs 6,000 people in Kenya, has faced accusations of abuse and violence in the past, with police investigating the suspicious deaths of people accused of trying to steal pineapples from the Del Monte farm near Thika.
Following the reports, the company denied any wrongdoing and fired around 250 guards, outsourcing security to a third-party firm (G4S) to align with human rights standards.
The initiative brings APS officers into a more structured and coordinated role alongside Del Monte’s existing security teams, including long-standing partners G4S and Garda World, to improve response times, manage risks more effectively, and ensure that security is handled professionally, responsibly, and with accountability to the surrounding communities, the company said.
Speaking at the official launch of the partnership, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja welcomed the agreement, saying they want to see more of such collaborations in Kenya—where big companies and state security agencies do not just coexist but work together under clear rules that hold everyone accountable.
An aerial aerial view of pineapple plantations at Del Monte farm in Thika, Kiambu County.
Mr Kanja said the protection of critical infrastructure is a key pillar in national security, noting that by securing this sector, the police are safeguarding not just a company, but an entire ecosystem—jobs for people, income for families, investor confidence, and the economic stability that supports national development.
He emphasised that security is a shared responsibility, calling upon the surrounding communities, the management of Del Monte Kenya Limited, and all stakeholders to work closely with the officers.
“Timely sharing of information and cooperation with law enforcement will greatly enhance the effectiveness of this unit. The deployed officers will work in close collaboration with National Government Administration Officers, other security agencies, and local leadership to ensure a multi-agency approach that is both efficient and responsive to the needs of the area,” Mr Kanja said.
He urged the officers being deployed to be good ambassadors of the National Police Service and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline, and respect for human rights.
“Your presence here must inspire confidence, foster trust, and guarantee safety for all,” he added.
Also Read: Death at pineapple farms - Violence, torture and killings with impunity by Del Monte guards
Del Monte Kenya Managing Director Wayne Cook said the MoU marks a significant moment in the company’s ongoing effort to raise security standards.
Del Monte Kenya Managing Director Wayne Cook (left) with employee Moses Odhiambo, during the launch of the company’s Kitchen Garden Initiative on August 13, 2025.
He remarked that the company is committed to building trust in communities and laying a stronger foundation.
He noted that the new unit will work on joint operational protocols with G4S focused on de-escalation and full compliance with human rights standards. Community liaison procedures will also be strengthened to promote transparency, trust, and accountability in all engagements with neighbouring communities.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Interior and National Administration for the partnership, guidance, and commitment, which have been critical in making this possible,” he said.
Mr Cook said the collaboration reflects a shared goal: to ensure security that is not only effective, but also responsible and community-conscious.
“Ultimately, what we are building is a safer, more coordinated system—one that better protects our employees, supports our operations, and strengthens our relationship with the communities around us,” he remarked.
He added that the milestone is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to operate responsibly, uphold the highest standards, and ensure that security at Del Monte Kenya continues to evolve with purpose, noting that they are building a safer, stronger future for both the company and local communities.
He said the agreement exemplifies Del Monte Kenya’s commitment to security through standardised training, strengthened operational controls, and a commitment to human rights and the responsible use of force—principles that align with the company’s global values and internationally recognised frameworks, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The company remains committed to engaging transparently with community members and to ensuring that security operations are carried out in a way that builds trust in Kiambu and Murang’a counties.
On his part, Gilbert Masengeli, the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the AP unit, said the initiative is not only timely but also strategic.
He said it reflects the National Police Service’s continued commitment to adapt to emerging security needs and to safeguard key national assets that are vital to Kenya’s economic growth and stability.
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