President William Ruto (right) and Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo/FILE
President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and other passengers in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Ruto described Chivayo as a friend and expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.
“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.
“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” he added.
Ruto said he would remember Chivayo 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,” Ruto said.
The friendship between the two was publicly seen in August when Ruto personally drove Chivayo to a helipad at his home in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo, who was in Kenya to attend a traditional engagement ceremony for Ruto's daughter Charlene, captured the moment on video as the President drove him.
“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” Chivayo said excitedly.
“Being driven by the President of the Republic. Ah no no. God is the greatest,” he added.
Ruto could be heard laughing as Chivayo recorded the moment inside the vehicle.
Chivayo later described his attendance at the ceremony as an “absolute honour and privilege”.
Ruto conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest,” Ruto said.
Zimbabwean authorities earlier confirmed that six people were on board the helicopter when it crashed at around 5 pm.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said the helicopter was carrying “a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots”.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families and their friends during this difficult time,” Mangwana said on X.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesman Paul Nyathi also confirmed the crash and said further details would be released as investigations continued.
Chivayo, 42, was a prominent businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle and had close ties to Mnangagwa and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).
