Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made allegations linking President William Ruto to late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. Gachagua claimed Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe, had business dealings with President Ruto. He alleged that Chivayo was used to move and hold money for the President. Gachagua made these claims during an engagement with clergy in Boston, United States. The allegations have not been verified and no evidence has been provided.
Gachagua alleged that Chivayo had been holding more than KSh1.5 trillion belonging to Ruto at the time of his death. He claimed that Chivayo was a key figure in Ruto's financial dealings and was involved in an alleged plan to influence Kenya's 2027 General Election. Gachagua did not provide documentary evidence to support the claims. The former Deputy President also alleged that Chivayo was involved in election technology arrangements.
According to Gachagua, Chivayo was to act as a local agent in an arrangement involving technology from a South Korean company. He alleged that specifications for a tender had been tailored to favour the unnamed South Korean firm and that Chivayo was to serve as an intermediary. Gachagua claimed that Chivayo was an expert in stealing elections and had been involved in burglarising elections in Africa.
Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent and politically connected Zimbabwean businessman, died alongside his wife Lucy Muteke and four other people in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed his death. Authorities in Zimbabwe are investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary findings indicating that fuel spilled following impact before a fire broke out.
Gachagua suggested that Chivayo's death had left President Ruto frustrated, claiming the businessman was central to both the alleged financial dealings and the purported election plan. Gachagua denied any involvement in Chivayo's death, stating that he was in the United States at the time of the accident. Neither President Ruto nor his representatives had publicly responded to Gachagua's allegations.
Chivayo was known for his political connections and had interacted publicly with several African leaders, including President Ruto. The allegations made by Gachagua have not been verified and no evidence has been provided. The cause of the helicopter crash that killed Chivayo and his family has not been established.
The investigation into the helicopter crash is ongoing, and no comments have been made by President Ruto or his representatives on Gachagua's allegations. Gachagua's claims have sparked interest and concern among Kenyans, especially with regards to the 2027 General Election.
Key points
- Gachagua alleges that Chivayo held KSh1.5 trillion belonging to Ruto at the time of his death.
- Gachagua claims that Chivayo was involved in an alleged plan to influence Kenya's 2027 General Election.
- Authorities in Zimbabwe are investigating the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Chivayo and his family.
