NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died alongside his wife and four others in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe on Wednesday evening.
Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, wbere among six people aboard the helicopter when it crashed in the Marondera Rural area of Mashonaland East Province at about 5pm.
Zimbabwean authorities said there were no survivors, while Chivayo’s family later confirmed his death. The cause of the crash had not been established as investigations got underway.
Ruto described Chivayo as his “dear friend” and said he was deeply saddened by his death.
“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,” Ruto said.
Ruto said Chivayo’s warmth, energy and belief in Africa’s possibilities would remain part of his memory, while extending condolences to the families of those who died.
“I convey my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, to President Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss,” he said.
Chivayo, popularly known as Sir Wicknell, was one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable businessmen and had developed a high-profile presence beyond his home country through his business activities and relationships with political leaders across the region.
He was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, an energy and infrastructure company that became associated with major projects including the Gwanda Solar Project.
His close relationship with Ruto had also attracted considerable attention in Kenya. Chivayo made several highly publicised appearances with the President, including visits to State House in Nairobi and a recent visit to Ruto’s private residence in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo’s business dealings and political connections had previously attracted scrutiny in Zimbabwe, including questions surrounding government-linked contracts. He denied allegations of wrongdoing.
The crash has now brought to an abrupt end the life of a businessman whose public profile had extended from Zimbabwe’s business and political circles into the wider East African region.
