Wicknell Chivayo, the Zimbabwean businessman who died on Wednesday, September 30, when a private helicopter went down in Marondera rural, was far more connected to African political power than many realised.
His death, which also claimed the life of his wife Lucy Muteke and four others, triggered a wave of nostalgia online as old photographs and videos of the 42-year-old began circulating, painting a vivid picture of a man who moved freely in the corridors of power across the continent.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash happened on Wednesday evening, with officers among the first responders at the scene. By press time, the identities of four of the six victims had not yet been established.
Chivayo’s relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa Of all his political relationships, the closest was with Zimbabwe’s own President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo was a well-known supporter of the president and was regularly photographed in his company over many years, even as his business interests spread beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Wicknell Chivayo meets President William Ruto
His ties to Kenya’s President William Ruto began publicly at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in 2024, where Ruto served as guest of honour.
The relationship gained further attention in 2026 after Chivayo made several visits to Kenya and shared images from State House.
A particularly striking moment saw President Ruto personally drive Chivayo and his wife to a helicopter at the president’s private residence in Kilgoris.
