Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, died in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on September 30, 2026. The accident occurred in Marondera Rural, with no survivors, according to Zimbabwean authorities. The helicopter was carrying Chivayo, four other passengers, and two pilots. Chivayo's relationship with Kenyan President William Ruto had grown increasingly public over several years, with repeated appearances at State House and private events.
Chivayo's close ties with Ruto began to develop in early 2025, with one of their earliest documented encounters at Ruto's private home in Kilgoris, Narok County. In January 2025, Chivayo visited Ruto at State House in Nairobi, describing the meeting as a courtesy visit centered on renewable energy discussions. He later took a photo with Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in April 2025.
The encounters between Chivayo and Ruto continued well into 2026, with visits to Sagana State Lodge, Wajir State Lodge, and State House. A notable moment came in August 2026 during a trip to Ruto's Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris for the traditional engagement and farewell ceremony of the president's daughter, Charlene Ruto. Chivayo filmed himself being driven by Ruto towards a helipad on the private estate.
Beyond personal encounters, Chivayo's commercial ambitions drew him closer to Kenya. His firm, IMC Construction Kenya, was reported in June 2026 to be part of a consortium bidding for the proposed expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. However, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir disputed those reports, stating that the company had not participated in the formal tender process.
During a visit to Wajir State Lodge in June 2026, Chivayo indicated he was in discussions with Ruto over a multimillion-dollar investment project. The Kenyan government offered no official confirmation of the specifics. The frequency of his appearances prompted scrutiny at home and abroad, with former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi questioning the nature of Chivayo's interactions with the president.
In Zimbabwe, Chivayo had long been a controversial figure, particularly over the Gwanda Solar Project, in which his firm Intratrek held a contract linked to a proposed 100-megawatt solar installation. The project became entangled in disputes over implementation, though Chivayo denied any wrongdoing. His wife, Lucy "Lulu" Muteke, also perished in the helicopter accident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that the crash took place and that the aircraft had six occupants on board at the time. Chivayo's family later spoke out about his death, with YEN.com.gh reporting that he was one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and recognizable businessmen.
Key points
- Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash near Marondera, Zimbabwe, on September 30, 2026.
- Chivayo had developed a close relationship with Kenyan President William Ruto over several years.
- Chivayo's firm was linked to a major airport expansion project in Kenya amid ongoing controversy.
