Businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s final public encounters with President William Ruto have come under renewed scrutiny following his death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Their last known meeting was a private three-hour dinner at State House, Nairobi, on September 9, 2026, where Chivayo reportedly discussed a planned $200 million (Sh25.94 billion) infrastructure investment.
A month earlier, the two were seen together at Ruto’s Kilgoris farm in Narok, where Chivayo attended the traditional engagement ceremony of the President’s daughter, Charlene Ruto. Ruto was later filmed personally driving him to a helipad, in a moment that went viral.
Tragically, Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died on September 30, when their helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, Zimbabwe.
Ruto mourned Chivayo as a “dear friend”, describing him as a man whose energy and conviction had touched many.
President William Ruto issued a heartfelt statement paying tribute to his "dear friend", Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo, praising his energy, warmth, and conviction in Africa's potential.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Ruto wrote in a tweet dated October 1, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash at around 5 pm, while the family later confirmed the deaths of Chivayo and Muteke. Zimbabwe’s state broadcaster ZBC also reported the deaths.
The September meeting at State House underscored the close relationship that had developed between the Zimbabwean businessman and the Kenyan President, with Chivayo having met Ruto on several occasions at State House and other locations.
The political dimension of the relationship was also made public by Chivayo himself. Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, he openly praised Ruto and declared his support for the President’s re-election. His statements were notable because Chivayo is Zimbabwean, meaning his endorsement was a political expression rather than a Kenyan vote.
His frequent access to the President had attracted considerable attention in Kenya, particularly because their meetings extended beyond formal State House engagements to private and family occasions.
Zimbabwean entrepreneur Wicknell Chivayo during a past courtesy call on President William Ruto.
Photo credit: Pool
In August, Chivayo had another high-profile encounter with President William Ruto at his Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo was among the guests at the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke.
After the ceremony, Ruto personally drove Chivayo to the farm’s helipad, a moment the businessman captured on video and shared it on social media.
“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” Chivayo said in the clip that went viral. “Being driven by the President of the Republic. God is the greatest,” he added.
The episode offered a glimpse of a relationship that extended beyond formal State House meetings and into the President’s private and family circles.
Ruto’s relationship with Chivayo evolved from business meetings into a highly visible personal association.
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo with President William Ruto.
Chivayo’s public access to Ruto began in January 2025 with a State House meeting, where he said they discussed renewable energy. He returned in April, appearing with Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
By 2026, the encounters had become more informal. Chivayo was seen with Ruto at Sagana and Wajir State Lodges and documented visits to the President’s private residence in Kilgoris. Despite holding no government position, he had become a recurring presence around the presidency.
The documented record shows unusually broad access, spanning official meetings, investment discussions and private occasions. But it does not establish the full nature of their relationship or whether the investments discussed resulted in specific projects.
