Zimbabwean businessman and influential power broker Wicknell Chivayo has once again been seen in the company of President William Ruto.
Chivayo, who was relatively unfamiliar to most Kenyans until early 2025, has appeared in public alongside the Kenyan Head of State on several occasions.
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Their interactions—often marked by smiles, warm gestures, and photo opportunities—have sparked curiosity and conversations about the nature of their rapport.
The Zimbabwean businessman is said to maintain close ties not only with the presidency in Zimbabwe but also with several high-ranking officials across Southern Africa.
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On social media, Chivayo styles himself as ‘Sir Wicknell,’ regularly sharing posts that depict him in high-profile circles.
His proximity to President Ruto has drawn attention, with the two seen together at various events in recent months.
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Wicknell Chivayo spotted with Presidents Ruto and Suluhu at State House
On Wednesday, April 30, Chivayo shared photos showing himself with President Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu at State House, Nairobi.
“The richest people in the world build networks. Competition happens at the bottom, people at the top are busy collaborating,” he said in the post.
He added, “No matter the noise or distractions around me, I will stay focused on my purpose. Criticism and doubt may come from others, but they don’t define my worth or path.”
“I will always stand tall and confident in who I am and the inevitable billionaire status I aim to achieve…One thing about a hustler – we’re always going to figure out a way while everyone else is complaining.”
Kenyans on social media were first introduced to Chivayo around January 5, 2025, after he shared photos of himself at President Ruto’s palatial Kilgoris home.
In the photos, the Zimbabwean can be seen cozying up to the Head of State, dressed casually, flashing a bouncy smile and with them, was girlfriend Lucy “Lulu” Muteke.
After meeting the President in Kenya, Chivayo would take to X to share a rambling description of how the meeting went.
“On our way back from an afternoon of enjoying the views and game from a helicopter, I had a very rare and extraordinary privilege to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya Dr William Ruto and the First Lady Her Excellency Mrs Rachel Ruto at their farm in his hometown.”
“Meeting one of Africa’s most distinguished leaders was a profound honour and it was inspiring to witness his deep humility and unmatched dedication to his nation.”
His post, in which he lavished excessive praises on President Ruto, immediately became a talking point in Kenya with many blasting him.
Wealth and rise to fame
The businessman is best known for his social media posts flaunting his wealth.
Chivayo lost his father in a car accident when he was 10 years old and was raised by his mother in Gandami, Chivhu.
He attended both primary and secondary school but dropped out in 1996 while in form two due to financial difficulties.
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At the age of 15, he secured a job as a wages clerk at a local bus company. He later ventured into various businesses and has previously claimed that he made his first million rand at 19 and his first million U.S. dollars at the age of 23.
Chivayo’s wealth has largely been linked to his involvement in government tenders. In an April 2016 radio interview with Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, he said he earns millions of dollars through tenders—though he did not go into specific detail.
“I’m surprised you would even ask me that. Because I’m all over the papers signing big deals. When you see me on ZBC signing a $123 million deal, I mean, that’s not a joke. What it means is that Zimbabwe Power Company is going to pay me $123 million, that’s what it means, literally,” he said.
Despite his claims, his source of wealth remains largely unclear. Several reputable publications have reported and linked him to controversial and allegedly corrupt business dealings.
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