Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made sweeping allegations against President William Ruto, claiming that late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo had been used to move and hold funds on behalf of Ruto. Gachagua made these claims during an engagement with clergy in Boston, United States. He alleged that Chivayo had conducted business dealings with Ruto and served as a conduit for moving funds on the president's behalf.
According to Gachagua, Chivayo had transported cash by private plane to hold on behalf of the president. He claimed that Chivayo was a man Ruto had been using for money laundering, getting money in dollars, and then using a private plane to transport it. Gachagua further alleged that the amount held by Chivayo at the time of his death exceeded KSh 1.5 trillion.
Gachagua's allegations against Ruto were made during an address to clergy in Boston, where he claimed that Chivayo was a business partner of Ruto's, describing him as a "crook from Zimbabwe". TUKO.co.ke was unable to independently verify any of the claims, and Gachagua offered no documentary evidence to support them during his address.
Beyond the financial allegations, Gachagua sought to connect Chivayo to what he described as a foreign-backed scheme to manipulate Kenya's next general election. He alleged that Chivayo was a seasoned operator in electoral interference across the African continent.
Gachagua claimed that Chivayo was positioned as a local agent for a South Korean technology company to influence the 2027 Kenyan General Election. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim. Chivayo was a prominent and controversial Zimbabwean businessman known for his involvement in high-profile government contracts.
Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife and four others in Zimbabwe. The incident garnered significant regional attention. Captain Calvin Soda, who was reportedly flying the helicopter, has been identified as the pilot and has been remembered online as a dedicated and professional pilot.
The allegations made by Gachagua have sparked interest in Kenya, with many awaiting reactions from President Ruto and other government officials. As of now, there has been no official response from the presidency or other government agencies regarding Gachagua's claims.
Key points
- Gachagua alleges that Wicknell Chivayo held over KSh 1.5 trillion on behalf of President Ruto at the time of his death.
- Gachagua claims that Chivayo was involved in a foreign-backed scheme to manipulate Kenya's 2027 General Election.
- The allegations were made by Gachagua during an engagement with clergy in Boston, United States, but no documentary evidence was provided to support the claims.
