Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke Chivayo, were among six people killed after a helicopter crashed in the Marondera, 70 km east of the capital Harare on Wednesday, September 30. Chivayo was known in Zimbabwe and beyond for his extravagant lifestyle, philanthropy and close access to some of Africa’s most powerful political figures. The government confirmed that the helicopter had six occupants and that there were no survivors. ALSO READ: Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa signs law extending presidential term The businessman regularly posted photographs and videos of encounters with African presidents and other senior political figures. Among the leaders with whom he had publicly documented interactions was Kenyan President William Ruto. Chivayo’s relationship with Ruto attracted particular attention in 2026 after the Kenyan president was filmed personally driving him and his wife to a helicopter at the president's private residence in Kilgoris. President Ruto paid tribute to him as a dear friend and sent condolences to the families of those killed. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent, Ruto said in a post on X. ALSO READ: What if we got Zimbabwe wrong? He also publicised his meetings with various presidents, including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zambia's Hakainde Hichilema and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. Chivayo rose to prominence through business interests including energy and infrastructure and became one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable personalities. His public profile grew through social media, where he showcased luxury vehicles, private aircraft, expensive watches and large cash and vehicle donations to individuals, religious organisations, musicians, and sports personalities. Chivayo faced scrutiny and investigations relating to business dealings and government-linked contracts. He was also previously convicted of fraud before the conviction was later overturned on appeal.
