President William Ruto of Kenya expressed his deep sadness over the tragic passing of Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman and close friend, who died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. The crash, which occurred in the Marondera Rural area east of Harare, also claimed the life of Chivayo's wife, Lucy Muteke, and others. Ruto described the sudden departure of Chivayo and those who perished as a painful loss to their families, friends, and all who knew them.
Wicknell Chivayo, whose public ties to Kenya's political circles had drawn attention throughout 2026, was remembered by President Ruto for his friendship, energy, and deep conviction in the possibilities of the African continent. Ruto took to social media to mourn Chivayo, describing him as a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. Chivayo's business interests extended beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with his company, IMC Construction Kenya, linked to a proposed Sh375 billion JKIA expansion project.
The helicopter crash that claimed Chivayo's life has sent shockwaves across both Zimbabwe and Kenya, where his high-profile business dealings and close ties to political figures, including Ruto himself, had made him a familiar face in recent years. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed the crash, though the cause has not yet been established. The incident has sparked widespread condolences, with Ruto extending his sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives.
President Ruto conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and to the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss. He prayed that God grant Wicknell, Lucy, and all those who perished eternal rest. Chivayo's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes, reflecting his impact on both Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Wicknell Chivayo was 43 years old when he passed away. His business empire, built over the years, had earned him the nickname 'Sir Wicknell' in Zimbabwe. Chivayo's links to President Ruto and other Kenyan politicians had made him a notable figure in Kenya's business and political landscape.
The proposed Sh375 billion JKIA expansion project, linked to Chivayo's company, IMC Construction Kenya, is one of several ventures that had extended his business interests well beyond Zimbabwe's borders. This project, and others like it, had cemented Chivayo's reputation as a major player in Africa's construction and business sectors.
As Zimbabwe and Kenya process the loss of Wicknell Chivayo, tributes continue to pour in for the businessman and his wife, Lucy Muteke. President Ruto's message of condolence reflects the close relationship between the two leaders and the impact of Chivayo's passing on the region.
Key points
- President Ruto described Wicknell Chivayo as a close friend and a dear friend whose warmth touched many people.
- Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke.
- Chivayo's business interests extended beyond Zimbabwe's borders, with links to a proposed Sh375 billion JKIA expansion project in Kenya.
