President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, after a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe killed six people.
In a tribute dated October 1, Ruto described Chivayo as his “dear friend”, saying he would remember the businessman for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa’s possibilities.
“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. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends, and all who knew them. 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,” part of his tribute read.
President William Ruto also conveyed his condolences to President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe at large, mourning the tragic loss.
The Family of Wicknell Confirms Deaths
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo has confirmed the deaths of businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, following the helicopter crash in the Marondera Rural area of Zimbabwe.
Speaking to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Herbert confirmed that the couple was among those killed in the crash, explaining that the family was “at a loss for words” following the tragedy.
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Zimbabwean Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the crash in a statement on September 30.
According to Mangwana, the helicopter was carrying a high-profile businessman, other passengers, and two pilots.
Mangwana noted that preliminary information indicated that there were no survivors and that the Zimbabwe Republic Police would release the names of the victims.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots. Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Nick Mangwana confirmed.
He added that the government extended its condolences and prayers to the victims, their families and friends.
Police had earlier reported that an aircraft carrying six occupants had crashed in Marondera Rural at around 5 p.m.
National Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi emphasized that the victims’ bodies were severely burned, making immediate identification difficult.
Public Reactions to Wicknell Chivayo’s Death
The reactions to President William Ruto’s condolence message for Wicknell Chivayo have been mixed.
Some members of the public have expressed sympathy for Chivayo’s family, his wife Lucy Muteke’s family, and the families of the other victims, describing the deaths as tragic and unexpected.
Others have focused on Chivayo’s close relationship with Ruto, questioning why the President described him as a “dear friend” and raising questions about the businessman’s frequent presence around senior political figures.
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Who Was Wicknell Chivayo and Connections to President Ruto
Chivayo, 43, was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist known for his involvement in energy and infrastructure projects.
He was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company associated with major projects including the Gwanda Solar Project.
Chivayo also had a high-profile relationship with President William Ruto, with the two photographed together on several occasions at State House in Nairobi.
In August 2026, Chivayo shared a video showing Ruto driving him and his wife to a waiting helicopter after they attended the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo described the journey, which covered roughly three kilometers to the helipad, as one of the most memorable experiences of his life.
Additionally, the businessman was also linked to the proposed KSh375 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
However, Ruto was not the only African leader with whom Chivayo had publicly documented interactions.
The businessman had also interacted with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Malawi’s Peter Mutharika, and Eswatini’s King Mswati III.
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