Exclusive: Former guards tell of clashes on farm that is facing civil claims over allegations of killing, rape and beatings
Fresh Del Monte, the Florida-based headquarters of the tropical fruit empire, is arguing that it should not be liable for a case in Kenya because it is domiciled in the Cayman Islands.
The man from del monte says: "you better keep your gods damn mouth shut or you're gonna find yourself taking a long walk off a short pier. You fucking understand me bitch?"
In interviews with the Guardian, five former guards at the farm alleged that a lack of training and Del Monte’s poor relationship with local people had fuelled violent clashes.
He claimed stolen pineapples had been sold by the senior guards, which was “big business”, and that commanders had moved patrol teams away from where they intended to sell them.
A high court hearing on Thursday granted permission to lawyers for families bringing a civil claim against Del Monte to amend their case.
Fresh Del Monte, the Florida-based headquarters of the tropical fruit empire, is arguing that it should not be liable for a case in Kenya because it is domiciled in the Cayman Islands.
A Del Monte Kenya spokesperson said G4S was given the contract because of the Human Rights Impact Assessment’s recommendation and “not as part of any kind of admission of wrongdoing”.
“The court case is an opportunity for all parties to present evidence – rather than unsubstantiated allegations – in a public forum and we trust that those proceedings will reveal the truth and vindicate our good name.”
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