Kenya's former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations that Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was holding over $11 billion on behalf of President William Ruto when he died in a helicopter crash. Gachagua, who served as Ruto's deputy from September 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024, made the claims during an engagement with members of the clergy in Boston, United States. He provided no documentary evidence to support his allegations, which could not be independently verified.
Gachagua alleged that Chivayo had conducted business with Ruto and was used to transport and hold money on the Kenyan President's behalf. He claimed that Chivayo would fly to a private airstrip in a plane to collect money in dollars. Gachagua also alleged that Chivayo was holding over KSh1.5 trillion, equivalent to over $11 billion, when he died. He claimed that Ruto had "gone berserk" following Chivayo's death because of the money supposedly held by the businessman.
Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo was connected to a plan involving South Korean technology intended to manipulate Kenya's general election on August 10, 2027. He claimed that Chivayo was to serve as a local intermediary in an election technology arrangement involving Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and a South Korean company. Gachagua described Chivayo as an expert in stealing elections.
Kenyan media identified the company referenced by Gachagua as Miru Systems, but no evidence has been presented publicly showing that Chivayo was its agent or that the company was involved in a scheme to manipulate the election. Gachagua's allegations came days after Ruto issued an emotional condolence message describing Chivayo as a dear friend. Ruto extended his condolences to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe, and the families of those killed.
Chivayo died alongside his wife Lucy Muteke, her personal aide Senelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Kelvin Tafirei Soda and Courage Mutavirwa when their helicopter crashed near Marondera on Wednesday. Zimbabwean aviation authorities are investigating the crash, but no official evidence has emerged suggesting that it involved foul play. Gachagua distanced himself and other Kenyan opposition leaders from any suggestion that they were connected to the fatal crash.
Gachagua also distanced himself from any implication that he was involved in Chivayo's death, saying he was in the United States at the time of the crash. He expressed anger towards Ruto, saying that the President had stolen money and was now upset that Chivayo was dead and could not return it. Gachagua used a Swahili phrase, "Wacha ijisaidie watu wengine," which loosely translates to "Let it now help other people."
The allegations made by Gachagua have not been verified, and Ruto's representatives had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. The incident has raised questions about the business dealings of Chivayo and his relationship with Ruto. An investigation into the helicopter crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Key points
- Gachagua alleged that Chivayo was holding over $11 billion on behalf of President Ruto.
- Gachagua claimed that Chivayo was connected to a plan to manipulate Kenya's 2027 election using South Korean technology.
- Ruto described Chivayo as a dear friend and extended condolences to his family and the people of Zimbabwe.
