Murang'a: Man Shot Dead During Protest Over Alleged Killing by Del Monte Guard
- Michael Muiruri (31) was allegedly murdered by a Del Monte guard over what was suspected to be pineapple theft
- This angered the residents living near the plantations, including 30-year-old Stephen Marubu, who took to the streets
- When Marubu went to demonstrate, he didn't know that his quest for justice would cost him his own life
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Another family in Murang'a has been thrown into mourning after their kin was shot dead during protests.
Source: Facebook
According to a statement issued by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the man identified as Stephen Marubu was shot in the chest, allegedly by a police officer guarding the Del Monte Farm.
Why was Stephen Marubu shot dead?
The KHRC stated that the 30-year-old had taken to the streets alongside other angry residents to protest against the killing of 31-year-old vegetable vendor, Michael Muiruri, in Gatwekera.
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"On Monday, we reported that a G4S Kenya guard contracted by Del Monte Kenya fatally knocked down 31-year-old vegetable vendor Michael Muiruri in Gatwekera, Murang’a, on Friday. On Tuesday, as residents protested his killing, police, backed by G4S guards, opened fire and fatally shot 30-year-old Stephen Marubu in the chest," the statement read in part.
Muiruri was allegedly attacked by a Del Monte security guard over a suspected pineapple theft incident.
He was attacked while riding pillion on a motorbike whose rider managed to survive the ordeal.
In a bid to seek justice for Muiruri, Marubu lost his life. Marubu's murder occurred at the Del Monte's Pineapple Field number 19, adjacent to Kakuzi Road.
One eyewitness, identified as Stephen Wachira, claimed that Marubu was shot at close range by officers guarding the area.
In retaliation, the residents set the company's vehicle on fire while demanding justice.
KHRC condemns police brutality
The human rights groups expressed their deep concern over what they termed the growing militarisation of Kenya's agribusiness sector.
"KHRC and Ndula Resource Centre are deeply concerned about the growing militarisation of Kenya’s agribusiness sector, particularly around the Del Monte plantation, where violent incidents continue to claim lives and cause injuries," they added.
KHRC stated that the latest killings show the persistence of the cases of police brutality in the country.
They called on the Kenya Kwanza regime to ensure that the cases of brutality come to an end.
"Marubu’s death at the hands of police comes just days after the government announced the Presidential Proclamation on the Framework for Compensation of Victims of Protests and Riots, aimed at compensating civilians and police officers affected by protests between 2017 and 2025. This latest killing shows the persistence of police brutality and exposes the William Ruto regime’s lack of genuine commitment and good faith to ending such senseless violence," they added.
Muiruri's family harassed by police
This came days after the late Muiruri’s family went to Ngati Police Station to report the incident, where their son was murdered in cold blood.
Source: Facebook
According to the deceased's family, the accused guard reportedly followed them using a vehicle, nearly hitting them before they reached the station.
The police have since impounded the vehicle as investigations into Muiruri's death continued. Muiruri's mother appealed to the government for justice amid claims of police harassment.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
