Senator asks Delmonte to compensate two teenagers injured by the firm’s car

Murang’a

Friday, July 21, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu on Thursday condemned an incident where two teenagers were seriously injured by a car belonging to Delmonte Fruit Processing Company in Thika.

Nyutu termed the incident that happened a week ago as inhumane accusing the security guards of the company of taking law in their hands.

In an incident that occurred on July 15, Nyutu argued it was wrong for the company’s vehicle to run over the two teenagers who were riding a motorcycle on allegations of stealing six pineapples from the company’s farm.

“The incident was shocking. If the company’s security was sure the two young people were stealing pineapples, they should have arrested and taken them to the nearby police station. But hitting them with a vehicle and leaving the two men with grievous injuries is unacceptable,” remarked the senator.

The two young men aged 17 and 19 and who are currently recuperating at Thika Level-5 hospital had claimed the company’s van accosted and ran over them while on their way home at Kihiu Mwiri village in Gatanga Sub county.

The duo, who suffered broken limbs, ribs and deep cuts on face and hands, claimed they were from searching for fodder when the company’s guards gave them a chase suspecting them of being on a mission to steal fruits from the pineapple farm and knocked them down.

Condemning the incident, Nyutu said the company needed to have a cordial relationship with the members of the community neighbouring the farm asking Delmonte to compensate the two young men.

“Residents of Kandara, Gatanga and other neighbouring areas need to be respected by the company. It's illogical to think everyone who lives near Delmonte farm is a thief,” said Nyutu calling the company to identify and deal with criminals who steal their fruits.

Meanwhile the senator asked the company to cede some land for members of Kandara residents association saying the 1, 400 acres that were hived off from the firm’s land were for the county government.

“Before renewal of the company’s land lease, some 1, 400 acres were given to the county government of Murang’a. But, the residents who have been fighting to get some land were left without anything. Let Delmonte consider and give members of the Kandara residents association some land,” he added.

Delmonte Company owns more than 22, 000 acres of land which cuts across parts of Murang’a and Kiambu counties.

Courtesy ; K. N. A