.Murang’a County – One person was shot dead after a violent confrontation between police and a group of suspected pineapple thieves at the expansive Del Monte farm in Murang’a County.

According to police, the incident occurred when a team of officers, working alongside private security guards, encountered a mob of about 150 people targeting pineapples on the farm. The group allegedly attacked the security detail with stones, slashers, and machetes.

During the chaos, one officer attempted to exit the patrol vehicle for protection but slipped and fell. The mob reportedly charged toward him, prompting his colleagues to fire warning shots in the air to rescue him.

As the confrontation escalated, the suspects cornered a G4S security van used for patrols and set it ablaze. Police said the attackers then advanced towards them, forcing the officers to fire in self-defence.

Reinforcements from Ngati Police Station arrived shortly after, dispersing the larger group. It was during the clash that Harison Kibandi Marubu, 34, was fatally injured.

Police have launched investigations into the attack. They have vowed to intensify security operations around the Del Monte farm to curb ongoing theft incidents.

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