Presidents close friend Wicknell Chivayo killed in copter crash

Flamboyant Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo who died on Wednesday evening, maintained close relations with several African presidents, raising eyebrows about their dealings.

The 43-years-old businessman perished with his wife and four other people when their private helicopter crashed in Marondera area in Zimbabwe minutes after takeoff.

Chivayo was one of the most talked-about figures in Zimbabwe with his admirers calling him "Sir Wicknell" while his critics saw him as the clearest example of a businessman who grew rich through closeness to the ruling ZANU-PF party.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of my friend Wicknell Chivayo and the other lives that were lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe, I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” said President William Ruto.

The businessman was a close friend of President William Ruto who hosted him several times in State House and in his private homes with his latest tour in the country being in August during Charlene Ruto’s traditional wedding at the President’s Kilgoris residence in Narok County.

Chivayo had close association with Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Nigeria President Bola Tinubu, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zambia President Hichilema Hakainde, Malawi President Peter Mutharika and King Mswati of Eswatini among many other leaders.

Early in September, Chivayo caused uproar online after he shared photographs hugging President Samia, who was mourning her late husband, with many people saying that it was not right, especially for a Muslim widow, as such an act is considered to be a sign of disrespect.

“My thoughts and prayers are with President Samia, her children and the entire family. I am praying that Almighty God grants them strength, comfort and peace during their time of grief as they mourn the late Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” said Chivayo.

Chivayo was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and became one of the country's most prominent business figures through major energy and infrastructure projects, including the Gwanda Solar Project, among other projects.

On August 10, 2026, Chivayo shared a video showing Ruto driving him and his wife to a waiting helicopter after attending the traditional engagement ceremony of Charlene.

“Being driven by the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, around his farm is one of the greatest experiences I have had in life, I thank God for this great honour,” said Chivayo.

Unlike President Ruto who embraced Chivayo in May 2026, President Ramaphosa denied knowing the controversial Zimbabwean businessman after he was spotted with him at the President's farm in South Africa.

The prominent businessman had been linked to tenders relating to election materials, security, internet connectivity, electricity connection, cancer treatment, and general supplies in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

He was also known for his high-profile lifestyle, lavish gifts, and close relationships with senior political figures in Zimbabwe and across the region and just hours before his death he gifted two long time Lawyers friends’ luxury cars and about Sh100 million in cash.

Chivayo made his gifts in public, usually announcing them on social media with the name of the recipient, the model of the car and the dealership where it was waiting while fully paid waiting to be collected by the new owners.

An investigation conducted by Zimbabwean media estimated that he spent more than $9.3 million on luxury vehicles and gifts over a 12-month period with musicians among his most frequent beneficiaries in recognition of their contribution to society.

In early 2024, he gave the singer Jah Prayzah a 2023 Mercedes-Benz 4Matic worth about $180,000, the following year, he gave the same artist a 2025 Range Rover Autobiography and told him $150,000 in cash was also waiting for him at the dealership.

He gave Zimdancehall star Tocky Vibes a Mercedes-Benz GLE350d valued at $90,000 and handed the musicians Mathias Mhere, Diana Samkange and Andy Muridzo a Mercedes-Benz C-Class each, citing their performances at a charity run by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Chivayo’s gifts had political significance, in February 2024, he gave musician and ZANU-PF Councillor Sandra Ndebele a Mercedes-Benz GLE400d worth $155,000 as a reward for promoting the party's cause.

“I had also planned to give another musician a car but I changed my mind after that artist criticized ZANU-PF there by losing his chance of getting a gift from me for showing disrespect to our ruling party,” said Chivayo.

Journalists also benefitted from Chivayo’s generosity. In May 2025, he gave Reuben Barwe, the veteran Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Correspondent, a new Toyota Land Cruiser and $100,000 in cash, citing his patriotism and decades of service at the state broadcaster.

His largest single donation went to the state on Unity Day in December 2025, hwere he donated $2 million in cash and 20 new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series vehicles to the welfare funds of the army, the police and the prison service and said the donation had been approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The source of Chivayo's fortune was never fully explained. ZimLive has reported his companies won Zimbabwean state contracts worth close to $1 billion, including $173 million for a solar plant in Gwanda, $163 million to refurbish the Munyati Power Station and $131 million for Gairezi hydroelectric project.

In June, ZimLive reported that his company IMC Construction Kenya had joined a consortium awarded a $2.9 billion contract to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) a fact that was refuted by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.

Chirchir who addressed Journalists during a press conference in his office denied that the company associated with Chivayo had any role in the JKIA project and said it had not been among the bidders.

In June 2026, Chivayo pledged a $163 million solar project to Eswatini after King Mswati granted him citizenship to the only remaining absolute monarch in the African continent.

The Businessman was born in November 22, 1982 and was raised by his mother Canisia Chivayo after the death of his father Isaac Chivayo in a car accident and had several siblings. His mother passed away in January 2021.

Chivayo dropped out of Secondary School in 1996 due to financial challenges and took up various jobs including working as wages Clerk in a local bus company.

He was at one point involved in illegal money changing schemes which led to his conviction for a three-year sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Prison between 2004 and 2006.