(Denyenye, Kenya) – Villagers in Kenya’s coastal region are engaged in a fierce battle with multinational companies, G4S and LafargeHolcim, over the ownership and use of over 1,500 acres of land. The local community, consisting mainly of subsistence farmers and fishermen, claims that the land in question is rightfully theirs and that the companies involved have no legal claim to it. This dispute, which has escalated into violence, has led to injuries, alleged human rights abuses, and a growing legal battle.
The villagers of Denyenye accuse LafargeHolcim, a Swiss-based multinational known for its operations through the Bamburi Cement company, and G4S, a global security company, of illegally occupying and attempting to mine the land without consent from the community. According to the villagers, the land has been part of their livelihood for generations, with many relying on it for farming and gathering firewood.
The conflict took a violent turn as several villagers reported physical assaults, some involving dogs, allegedly by security personnel from G4S and the Kenyan paramilitary General Service Unit (GSU). These attacks have left a number of villagers severely injured, with some claiming to have been subjected to sexual violence. The villagers are now turning to international bodies, filing complaints with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which sets corporate governance standards for companies operating globally.
One villager, Shee Mbimbi, recalls a particularly traumatic incident when he was attacked by a security dog while collecting firewood near the contested land. “The dog bit me twice, and I fell, unable to escape,” he explains. Despite the severity of the attack, G4S denied any involvement, stating they had no record of the incident. However, the local police, after being pressured by the Kwale Mining Alliance (KMA), a non-profit organization supporting the villagers, eventually recorded the complaint. The KMA has been instrumental in helping victims access medical care and legal support.
The situation is not isolated to Mbimbi. Several other villagers, including fishermen, have reported similar assaults. For example, on March 18, 2019, three fishermen were attacked by GSU officers while clearing land near the beach, which the villagers considered public land. One of the victims, Hamad Juma Dari, described the assault as brutal, with officers beating him and his colleagues severely. “They told us we were trespassing on Bamburi Cement land,” Dari recalls, showing the permanent scars from the beating.
In another case, a woman identified as Mwanakombo (not her real name) describes being raped by GSU officers after she was caught fetching firewood in the area. She later became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, a constant reminder of the trauma she endured. She did not report the rape to the authorities, fearing retaliation from the police, who were believed to be complicit in the abuse.
These testimonies highlight the severe human rights violations that the villagers have faced at the hands of G4S security personnel and the GSU, who have been stationed in the area since 1997. Many locals allege that these officers have been involved in illegal activities, such as selling firewood seized from villagers, which adds another layer of corruption to the conflict.
Despite the serious allegations, both LafargeHolcim and G4S have denied responsibility. A statement from G4S claimed that their security officers are well-trained and operate under strict guidelines, including rules on the use of dogs. Similarly, Bamburi Cement, a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim, stated that it upholds international human rights standards and found no evidence of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. However, villagers say they have never been contacted by the companies’ investigators, raising questions about the legitimacy of these findings.
Human rights organizations, including the Kenyan Human Rights Commission and Transparency International, have stepped in to support the villagers’ cause as they continue to seek justice. These groups are working to file a formal complaint with the OECD, demanding accountability for the companies’ role in the violence and land grabs. The hope is that international scrutiny will bring about consequences for these multinational corporations.
In the face of these challenges, the villagers said they remain determined to fight for their land and their rights. As one community leader put it, “It’s time to hold these companies accountable for their actions. We will not back down.”
| Location | Incident | Date | Attackers | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denyenye | Dog attack on Shee Mbimbi | October 2023 | G4S security dogs | Severe injury, possible amputation |
| Denyenye | Beating of fishermen | March 18, 2019 | GSU officers | Permanent scars, physical trauma |
| Denyenye | Rape of Mwanakombo | 2019 | GSU officers | Trauma, abandoned by husband |
| Denyenye | Beating of Juma Sudi Mwamkungoma | August 30, 2023 | GSU officers | Death from injuries |