Ruto mourns ‘dear friend’ Chivayo, wife after fatal Zimbabwe helicopter crash

President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, who were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in Zimbabwe on Wednesday evening.

In a message of condolence, President Ruto described Chivayo as a “dear friend” and said his sudden death was a painful loss to his family, friends and those who knew him.

“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,” Dr Ruto said.

“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” he added.

The President said he would remember the Zimbabwean businessman for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa's potential.

“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,” Dr Ruto said.

He also sent condolences to the families of the victims, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” he said.

The crash occurred at about 5pm local time in the Marondera Rural area, east of Zimbabwe's capital Harare.

Zimbabwean authorities said the helicopter had six occupants and that there were no survivors.

Zimbabwean Government spokesman Nick Mangwana had on Wednesday night said the aircraft was carrying a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots, without providing any names.

“The government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” Mr Mangwana said. “Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi also confirmed the crash and said further details would be released as investigations continued.

The police initially cautioned that the victims had not been formally identified, with reports indicating that the bodies were badly burned in the crash.

Chivayo's family, through spokesperson Herbert Chivayo, later confirmed Wednesday night that the businessman and his wife were among those killed. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed their deaths to Zimbabwean media.

The death brings to an abrupt end the life of one of Zimbabwe's most prominent and flamboyant businessmen, who had built a public profile around his wealth, business interests and relationships with top political leaders across the continent.

Chivayo was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and was associated with major energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwanda Solar Project. He was also a familiar figure at high-profile political and social events and regularly shared photographs of himself with senior political figures in Zimbabwe and other African countries.

His relationship with President Ruto had also attracted considerable attention in Kenya.

In August, Chivayo made headlines after posting a video showing President Ruto personally driving him to a helipad at the President's private property in Kilgoris, Narok County.

Chivayo had attended a traditional engagement ceremony involving President Ruto's daughter, Charlene Ruto, on August 8, before the two travelled to the helipad.

In the video, Chivayo expressed excitement at being driven by the Kenyan President.

“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” he said, before adding: “Being driven by the President of the Republic. Ah no. God is the greatest.”

The encounter was among several public appearances that highlighted Chivayo's access to prominent political figures across the region.

He was particularly close to Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa and was frequently photographed with political leaders and other influential figures.

Chivayo was also known for his lavish lifestyle and highly publicised acts of generosity, including donations and gifts to sporting organisations, religious groups, entertainers and individuals. His business dealings and political connections had, however, also attracted scrutiny in Zimbabwe.

But he had denied wrongdoing in matters where allegations had been raised against him.

His death therefore comes at a time when he remained a prominent figure in Zimbabwean public life, with his activities extending beyond business into politics, philanthropy, sport and entertainment.

For President Ruto, the tragedy has also brought to the fore the close personal relationship he had developed with the Zimbabwean businessman.

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