At least one suspect was shot and killed in a confrontation between police and suspected thieves at a farm in Murang’a County.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of August 12 after a security van used for farm patrols was set on fire by the mob.
Police said a group of about 150 people had invaded the farm to steal products, prompting officers to intervene.
Authorities described the group as an organised network that exploits young people to carry out thefts.
"Hardly is the question asked what the underlying issue is and how it can be solved. Silence has bred a culture of entitlement and a thriving trade in stolen pineapples,” said a police officer familiar with the matter, adding that stolen produce is sold in the area without accountability.
On Tuesday, police officers accompanying private security personnel at the farm encountered the mob, which was targeting pineapples.
According to police, the group attacked the security team with stones, slashers, and machetes.
One officer reportedly tried to jump out of a vehicle for protection but slipped and fell as the vehicle came under attack.
The mob charged toward him, prompting colleagues to fire warning shots while rescuing him.
The suspects then retreated briefly before cornering the G4S vehicle and setting it on fire.
Reinforcements from Ngati police station arrived in time, causing the larger group to disperse.
During the incident, 34-year-old Harison Kibandi Marubu was fatally injured, police said. Authorities stated he was struck while attempting to set the van on fire.
Senior police officers visited the scene and ordered additional personnel to be deployed to the farm.
The body was moved to a mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations.
This incident is the latest in a series of thefts at the farm.
Hundreds of pineapples have been recovered, and several suspects arrested over the years.
Authorities launched “Operation Linda Mananasi” at the farm to deter theft.
Police have been leading the operation in Ithanga/Kakuzi Sub-county, aiming to prevent the theft of agricultural produce following complaints from farm management about rampant stealing.
