Ruto Mourns Zimbabwean Businessman Wicknell Chivayo After Helicopter Crash
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said those on board included a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.
President William Ruto mourns Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, who die alongside four others in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Photo: The Star Kenya.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four other people in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Ruto described Chivayo as a friend and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died in the accident.
“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.
The President 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 relationship between Ruto and Chivayo was publicly highlighted in August when the Kenyan President personally drove the Zimbabwean businessman to a helipad at his home in Kilgoris, Narok County.
Chivayo, who was in Kenya to attend the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, recorded the journey and expressed excitement at being driven by the President.
“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” Chivayo said in the video.
“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”.
In his condolence message, Ruto also extended his sympathies to 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 said six people were aboard the helicopter when it crashed at around 5pm.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana said those on board included 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.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesman Paul Nyathi also confirmed the crash and said further information would be released as investigations continued.
Chivayo, 42, was a prominent Zimbabwean businessman who was widely known for his lavish lifestyle and his links to Mnangagwa and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).
About Author
