Del Monte faces allegations of bribery and covering-up deaths of 4 people caught stealing pineapples at Kenya farm

Representatives of Del Monte Kenya face accusations of attempting to conceal the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four men who were allegedly stealing pineapples from the company’s farm last December. The bodies of the men were discovered in a river on the plantation near Thika on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is claimed that the men were pursued by the farm’s security guards after attempting the theft on December 21st. An investigation by The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism has revealed allegations of multiple bribery attempts by Del Monte Kenya representatives in the weeks following the deaths. Witnesses from the group attempting to steal from the farm reported seeing their friends subjected to severe beatings by guards wielding metal rods near the pineapple fields. Some claimed that two of the men were thrown into the river by the guards, while another was struck with a stone as he tried to swim away. Furthermore, Del Monte representatives are accused of offering jobs and financial incentives to individuals willing to provide statements suggesting that the men drowned while fleeing the failed theft. Postmortem reports indicate that two of the deceased individuals, Bernard Mutua and Francis Muimi, died from drowning, but also showed injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma, potentially contributing to their deaths. Despite these findings, Del Monte Kenya maintains that there was no foul play involved and insists that CCTV footage supports their version of events, although this footage has not been shared. This incident follows a series of other deaths linked to Del Monte security guards, with investigations underway by Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights. A confidential report obtained by The Guardian last month criticised the company, alleging collaboration between its employees and a criminal group involved in theft. Witnesses from the theft attempt on December 21st claim that Del Monte representatives made several efforts to influence their testimonies, offering bribes and jobs to those willing to support the company’s narrative. The witnesses describe being approached by Del Monte officials and pressured to provide statements aligning with the company’s account of events. Despite conflicting reports from private and independent pathologists regarding the cause of death and extent of injuries, questions persist regarding the actions of Del Monte Kenya and its representatives in the aftermath of the tragic incident.