President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his death in a helicopter crash near Marondera.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke, were among six people killed when their helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The aircraft came down at a farm near Waddilove Mission at approximately 5pm. Zimbabwean officials confirmed that there were no survivors.
Ruto mourns Wicknell and his wife
President Ruto described Chivayo as a dear friend whose warmth, energy and belief in Africa’s potential had touched many people.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke,” Ruto said in a condolence message.
The President also sent his condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the families of the other victims and the people of Zimbabwe.
Ruto’s message reflected the close personal relationship that the two men had developed. Chivayo became a familiar visitor to State House in Nairobi and other locations associated with the Kenyan President.
Their friendship also attracted public attention because Chivayo regularly shared pictures and videos of their private meetings.
Family confirms deaths after Marondera crash
Chivayo’s family confirmed that the businessman and Muteke were travelling aboard the helicopter.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo told Zimbabwe’s national broadcaster that the couple had died in the tragedy.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the helicopter was carrying six occupants. The other victims included additional passengers and two pilots.
Authorities were still working to formally identify all the victims. Police said the bodies had been badly burnt after a fire broke out at the crash site.
Meanwhile, investigators began examining the wreckage and circumstances surrounding the accident. The cause of the Wicknell Chivayo helicopter crash had not been established.
Chivayo enjoyed unusual access to Ruto
Chivayo’s links to President Ruto became increasingly visible from early 2025.
He met the President several times at State House in Nairobi. Moreover, he attended meetings at Sagana State Lodge and Ruto’s private residence in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo often described Ruto as a father figure and mentor. He said their friendship was built on shared Christian beliefs, mutual respect and discussions about African development.
Their relationship extended beyond formal State House meetings.
In August 2026, Chivayo and Muteke attended the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, and her partner, Isaya Yunge.
The high-profile Koito ceremony took place at the Ruto family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris.
After the celebration, Chivayo shared a video showing President Ruto personally driving him and Muteke towards their waiting helicopter. He said the President drove them approximately three kilometres to the helipad.
Chivayo described that short journey as one of the most memorable experiences of his life. The video went viral and triggered fresh debate about his extraordinary access to Kenya’s Head of State.
Chivayo announced plans to invest in Kenya
Business and infrastructure were recurring topics during Chivayo’s meetings with President Ruto.
In September 2026, the Zimbabwean businessman said he held a nearly three-hour dinner meeting with Ruto at State House in Nairobi. According to Chivayo, they discussed investment, infrastructure and Africa’s economic prospects.
Afterwards, he announced plans to invest US$200 million, approximately KSh25.9 billion, in Kenyan infrastructure projects.
However, the announcement represented Chivayo’s stated investment plan. Authorities did not publicly confirm that the entire amount had already been committed to specific projects.
Chivayo’s name was also linked to discussions surrounding the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Nevertheless, the Kenyan government disputed claims that his company had participated in the relevant tender process.
His frequent meetings with Ruto therefore attracted questions about the boundaries between friendship, business and political influence.
Chivayo denied using his relationship with the President to obtain government contracts or preferential treatment.
Publicly backed Ruto’s 2027 campaign
Chivayo also became an enthusiastic supporter of Ruto’s leadership.
Following one of their State House meetings, he praised the President’s energy, work ethic and development agenda. He also publicly backed Ruto’s expected re-election campaign ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
“Come 2027, my position requires absolutely no guessing,” Chivayo wrote while expressing his support for the President.
Although he was not a Kenyan voter, his endorsement added a political dimension to their already closely watched relationship.
Chivayo frequently praised Kenya’s infrastructure, agriculture and economic potential. He also described the country as his second home.
Who was Wicknell Chivayo?
Chivayo, 43, was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and one of Southern Africa’s most flamboyant businessmen.
He became known for energy and infrastructure projects, including the controversial Gwanda Solar Project in Zimbabwe.
Additionally, Chivayo built a massive social-media following by displaying luxury vehicles, private aircraft, designer clothing and expensive properties.
He donated cars and cash to musicians, football administrators, churches, politicians and social-media personalities. However, his government-linked business dealings also attracted allegations involving public procurement and political financing.
Chivayo consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that his wealth came from legitimate business activities.
His death ends a relationship with Ruto that had become increasingly visible in Kenya’s political and business circles.
For many Kenyans, the most memorable image will be that of the President personally driving Chivayo and Muteke to their helicopter after Charlene Ruto’s engagement ceremony.
Less than two months later, the couple died in a helicopter crash that has left families in mourning across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Source: ZiNews24.com
