Wicknell Chivayo final moments with Ruto: From State House dinner to Kilgoris drive

Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's final weeks were marked by high-profile encounters with President William Ruto. On September 9, 2026, Chivayo attended a private dinner at State House Nairobi with the Kenyan President, during which he pledged US$200 million towards infrastructure projects in the country. Just weeks prior to his tragic death, Chivayo also had an encounter with Ruto at the President's Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.

After attending a traditional engagement ceremony involving Ruto's daughter and Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke, Chivayo was driven to a helipad by Ruto himself, which he recorded and shared on social media, expressing his excitement at being driven by the President. On September 30, 2026, Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Marondera Rural area of Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash around 5pm, and the family later confirmed their deaths. The September State House dinner had emerged as one of Chivayo's last formal engagements with Ruto before his death, highlighting the close relationship that had developed between the two.