Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo developed a close relationship with President William Ruto, frequently visiting State House and accompanying the president to public and private events. Chivayo's relationship with Ruto attracted attention due to its visibility and frequency. The two men's interactions began in early 2025 and continued into 2026. Chivayo shared photographs and videos of his encounters with Ruto on social media. Their meetings took place at various locations, including State House, Ruto's private residence in Kilgoris, and other high-profile events.
Chivayo's public relationship with Ruto became increasingly visible from early 2025. One of the earliest widely reported meetings took place at Ruto's private residence in Kilgoris, Narok County. On January 27, 2025, Chivayo visited State House, Nairobi, describing the meeting as a courtesy visit during which they discussed renewable energy. In April 2025, he shared photographs of himself with Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House.
Chivayo frequently accompanied the images with glowing messages about Ruto, describing him as a leader focused on development and action. The meetings continued into 2026, with Chivayo documenting encounters with Ruto at Sagana State Lodge, Wajir State Lodge, and State House. Chivayo's interactions with Ruto also included attending family events, such as the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony of Ruto's daughter, Charlene Ruto.
One of the most striking moments in their relationship came in August 2026 when Chivayo visited Ruto's Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County. He was in Kenya for the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony of Ruto's daughter, Charlene Ruto, and her fiancé, Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunge. The event brought together members of the Ruto family, political leaders, government officials, business personalities, and other invited guests.
Chivayo's relationship with Ruto also unfolded as his business interests increasingly extended into Kenya. His company, IMC Construction Kenya, was reported in June 2026 to have been included as a joint venture partner in a consortium linked to the proposed expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. However, the reported JKIA arrangement became disputed, with Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir later disputing reports linking Chivayo's company to the procurement.
Chivayo had also publicly spoken about investment discussions in Kenya. Following a visit to Wajir State Lodge in June 2026, he said he was in discussions with Ruto over a multimillion-dollar investment project, although the Kenyan government did not publicly provide details of the project. The relationship attracted public interest largely because of the frequency and variety of Chivayo's encounters with Ruto.
Chivayo was killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on September 30, 2026, along with five other people. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that a helicopter carrying a high-profile businessman, four other passengers, and two pilots crashed in Marondera Rural, with no survivors. Chivayo's death was announced after reports emerged of the helicopter crash.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo had a close relationship with President William Ruto, frequently visiting State House and accompanying the president to public and private events.
- Chivayo's business interests extended into Kenya, with his company linked to major projects, including the proposed expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Chivayo was killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on September 30, 2026.
