Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo died in a private helicopter crash in Marondera rural on September 30, killing six people, including his wife Lucy Muteke. The incident has sparked public curiosity about his relationships with African leaders. Chivayo, 42, had cultivated connections with leaders across the continent, from Kenya's William Ruto to Nigeria's Bola Tinubu. His death triggered a wave of nostalgia online, with old photographs and videos of him circulating, painting a vivid picture of a man who moved freely in the corridors of power.
Chivayo's relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe was particularly close. He was a well-known supporter of the president and was regularly photographed in his company over many years. As his business interests spread beyond Zimbabwe's borders, Chivayo maintained a strong connection with Mnangagwa. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash, with officers among the first responders at the scene. The identities of four of the six victims had not been established by press time.
Chivayo's ties to Kenya's President William Ruto began publicly at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in 2024, where Ruto served as guest of honour. The relationship gained further attention in 2026 after Chivayo made several visits to Kenya and shared images from State House. A particularly striking moment saw President Ruto personally drive Chivayo and his wife to a helicopter at the president's private residence in Kilgoris.
Chivayo also had notable relationships with other African leaders. In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Chivayo to explore technology partnerships. He had also visited the country multiple times ahead of the disputed elections in October 2025. In Uganda, he sat down with President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Kampala, with the two openly discussing investment opportunities across East Africa.
Chivayo's reach extended well beyond the eastern half of the continent. In June 2026, he met Eswatini's King Mswati III, who subsequently granted him a diplomatic passport. He also held meetings with Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu and had previously been publicly associated with former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, as well as Malawian leaders Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera, and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Chivayo's government-linked business dealings attracted scrutiny over the years, with critics raising concerns about political influence. He consistently denied any wrongdoing, while supporters portrayed him as a philanthropist who channelled his wealth toward uplifting others. The images resurfacing after his passing have left many reflecting on the extraordinary access he commanded, and the questions about his business dealings that may now never be fully answered.
President William Ruto has publicly mourned Chivayo, remembering him for his friendship. As the news of his death continues to sink in, many are left wondering about the nature of Chivayo's relationships with African leaders and the impact of his passing on his business empire. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex connections between business and politics in Africa.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash on September 30, killing six people, including his wife.
- Chivayo had cultivated relationships with multiple African leaders, including Kenya's William Ruto and Nigeria's Bola Tinubu.
- His government-linked business dealings attracted scrutiny over the years, with critics raising concerns about political influence.
