Wicknell Chivayo with President William Ruto during Charlene Ruto’s Koito on August 8, 2026, in Kilgoris.
By Simbarashe Dube in Harare, Zimbabwe
President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke, who died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, describing the tycoon as a “dear friend”.
Chivayo and his wife were among six people aboard the helicopter that crashed in Marondera district, Zimbabwe. Authorities said there were no survivors.
In a condolence message posted on his official Facebook account, President Ruto said he was deeply saddened by the deaths.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent.”
President Ruto also conveyed his condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the families of the victims and the people of Zimbabwe.
The President’s description of Chivayo as a “dear friend” cast fresh attention on a relationship that had become increasingly visible through the Zimbabwean businessman’s visits to Kenya.
Chivayo had on several occasions shared photographs and videos of himself with President Ruto, including during visits to State House, Nairobi.
His business interests in Kenya also came under scrutiny in June when reports linked his company, IMC Construction Kenya, to a consortium bidding for the expansion and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Initial reports said the firm was part of a consortium associated with a Sh375 billion project. The government, however, subsequently disputed both the figure and reports that the tender had already been awarded. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said at the time that the project would cost no more than Sh154.2 billion and that bids were still being evaluated.
Away from business, one of the clearest public displays of Chivayo’s relationship with President Ruto came in August when he attended the traditional engagement ceremony of the President’s daughter Charlene at the Ruto family’s Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
As Chivayo and his wife prepared to leave the ceremony, President Ruto got behind the wheel of a Toyota Land Cruiser and personally drove the couple about three kilometres to a helipad where their helicopter was waiting.
Chivayo, sitting in the front passenger seat as his wife rode in the back, recorded part of the journey.
“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” an excited Chivayo said in the video. “Being driven by the President of the Republic. Ah, no, no. God is the greatest.”
He later described the drive as one of the most memorable moments of his life, saying the three-kilometre journey would remain among his “most priceless” experiences.
Less than two months later, Chivayo and his wife would die in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
In his tribute, President Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa’s potential.
“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” he said.
