Rigathi Gachagua Claims Wicknell Chivayo Died With Ruto’s Debt Worth Over Ksh 1.5 Trillion

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive, unverified allegations linking President William Ruto to the late Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo, claiming the tycoon held money on the President’s behalf and was key to an alleged scheme to influence Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an address to clergy members in Boston, United States, Gachagua claimed that Chivayo—who died alongside his wife and four others in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe—had extensive undisclosed business dealings with President Ruto.

Claims of Money Laundering and Funds

Gachagua alleged that the late Zimbabwean businessman acted as an intermediary to move and store large sums of money for the Head of State, though he offered no documentary evidence to substantiate his assertions.

“There was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo. This man, because I was his deputy, so I know, they were doing business together,” Gachagua claimed. “He is a man he has been using for money laundering. He gets money in dollars, that man comes with a plane, lands in a private airstrip and takes the money to keep for him.”

The former Deputy President further claimed that Chivayo was holding over KSh 1.5 trillion belonging to President Ruto at the time of his death.

“The man has his money, over 1.5 trillion. The man is dead, his wife is dead, he doesn’t know where to begin,” Gachagua stated.

Allegations of 2027 Election Interference

Beyond financial ties, Gachagua sought to link Chivayo to a purported plot to manipulate the 2027 General Election, alleging that the businessman was serving as an intermediary for a foreign technology supplier.

“That guy is an expert in stealing elections, and he is the one who has been burglarising elections in Africa,” Gachagua alleged, asserting that tender specifications for election technology were tailored to favor an unnamed South Korean firm represented by Chivayo. “So this guy was a local agent for those fellows. So this is the man he was to use to steal the vote. The guy is dead.”

Gachagua did not present proof connecting Chivayo or any foreign firms to election procurement or interference plans.

The Helicopter Crash in Zimbabwe

Chivayo, a prominent and politically connected figure in Zimbabwe, died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four others when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area, east of Harare. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed the deaths, while aviation authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash after preliminary findings indicated a fire broke out following impact.

Commenting on the aftermath of the crash, Gachagua remarked: “William Ruto, please don’t blame Riggy G. I didn’t kill this guy. I was in the United States. The accident happened in Zimbabwe. Surely I have nothing to do with it.”

Neither State House nor representatives of President Ruto have publicly responded to Gachagua’s statements.