President William Ruto has expressed deep sorrow following the death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and four other people in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.

The helicopter crashed in the Marondera Rural area of Mashonaland East Province on Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that all six people aboard the aircraft died in the accident. The cause of the crash had not been established as investigations continued.

In a condolence message, President Ruto described Chivayo as his friend and said his sudden death was a painful loss to his family, friends and everyone who knew him.

Ruto said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Chivayo and his wife, Lucy, as well as the other people who lost their lives in the crash.

The President also remembered Chivayo for what he described as his warmth, energy and strong belief in the potential of Africa.

“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people,” Ruto said in his message, adding that he would remember the businessman for his friendship, energy and belief in the possibilities of the African continent.

Ruto extended his condolences to the families of all those who died, as well as Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

He concluded his message by praying for the deceased, asking that Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished in the crash be granted eternal rest.

Fatal helicopter crash

The tragedy occurred on Wednesday evening when the helicopter went down in the Marondera Rural area, east of Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.

Government officials said the aircraft had six occupants, including a prominent businessman, three other passengers and two pilots. Preliminary information indicated that there were no survivors.

Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the crash and said investigations were underway to establish what caused the accident.

The crash caused significant damage to the aircraft and emergency teams responded to the scene. Authorities were expected to provide more information as investigations progressed.

Chivayo's family later confirmed that he and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were among those who died in the tragedy. Zimbabwe's Herald reported that the helicopter crashed at about 5pm near a farm in the Marondera area.

The deaths have triggered messages of condolence from political leaders, business figures and members of the public across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Chivayo's relationship with President Ruto

The death of Chivayo has attracted particular attention in Kenya because of his publicly known relationship with President William Ruto.

The Zimbabwean businessman had developed a close personal association with the Kenyan President and had made several visits to Kenya during 2026.

Chivayo was seen with Ruto on several occasions, including meetings at State House and other events.

His relationship with the President had also become a subject of public interest because of his growing involvement in discussions surrounding potential investments in Kenya.

Ruto's description of Chivayo as a “dear friend” has highlighted the personal nature of their relationship.

The President's message focused primarily on friendship, personal memories and Chivayo's belief in Africa's potential, rather than his business activities.

A prominent Zimbabwean businessman

Chivayo was one of Zimbabwe's most recognisable businessmen and public figures.

He was known for his involvement in business and major projects, while his highly visible lifestyle frequently attracted attention on social media.

His public profile extended beyond business, with Chivayo often appearing alongside prominent political, business, religious and entertainment figures.

He also became known for making large gifts and donations to individuals and organisations, contributing to his strong public visibility in Zimbabwe.

His activities, however, also attracted scrutiny and controversy over some of his business dealings and political associations. Reports have previously highlighted questions surrounding government contracts and other business matters, although Chivayo denied wrongdoing in matters where allegations were raised.

Despite the controversies surrounding aspects of his public life, his death has led to widespread mourning, particularly among those who knew him personally.

Lucy Muteke also among those who died

Chivayo's wife, Lucy Muteke, also lost her life in the accident.

The couple had been married since 2025, and their deaths together have added to the emotional impact of the tragedy.

Family representatives confirmed that the two were among those aboard the helicopter when it crashed.

The loss has left their relatives, friends and associates mourning the sudden deaths.

President Ruto included Lucy in his condolence message, praying for her, Wicknell and the other victims of the accident.

The President also conveyed his sympathy to all the families affected by the tragedy.

Ruto remembers Chivayo's African vision

In his tribute, Ruto placed emphasis on Chivayo's belief in Africa.

The President said he would remember his friend for his energy and his conviction in the possibilities of the continent.

That message reflected the broader relationship between the two men, which had increasingly been seen in the context of business, investment and conversations about Africa's economic potential.

Chivayo had expressed interest in investments beyond Zimbabwe, including activities connected to Kenya.

His appearances in Kenya helped make him increasingly familiar to the Kenyan public, particularly after photographs and videos of his meetings with President Ruto circulated widely.

His sudden death has now brought renewed attention to those interactions.

Condolences to Zimbabwe

President Ruto also sent his condolences to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

The message recognised that the tragedy was not only a personal loss for the families involved but also a major loss felt by people who knew the victims.

Zimbabwean authorities have continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The identity of all those aboard and other technical details surrounding the accident were being handled by authorities as investigations continued.

The cause of the crash remained unknown in the initial reports.

A sudden end to a high-profile life

Chivayo's death has brought an abrupt end to the life of a businessman who had become one of Zimbabwe's most talked-about personalities.

His wealth, business activities, philanthropy and political connections had kept him in the public spotlight for years.

He was frequently active on social media, where he showcased his lifestyle and interacted with celebrities, religious leaders, sports personalities and politicians.

His death has therefore generated widespread reaction across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

In Kenya, attention has largely focused on his relationship with President Ruto and the President's personal tribute following the tragedy.

Ruto's description of Chivayo as a “dear friend” has provided a glimpse into the personal relationship that existed between the two.

Investigations continue

As families begin the process of mourning and making funeral arrangements, authorities in Zimbabwe are expected to continue investigating the helicopter crash.

The key questions will include what caused the aircraft to go down, the condition of the helicopter, weather conditions at the time of the accident and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Authorities had not immediately announced the cause of the accident.

The investigation will be important in determining exactly what happened before the helicopter crashed in the Marondera area.

For the families of the victims, however, the immediate priority remains coming to terms with the sudden loss.

Ruto's message of condolence

President Ruto's message has placed the tragedy within a deeply personal context.

Rather than focusing on Chivayo's wealth or public profile, the President remembered him as a friend and highlighted the qualities he associated with him.

Ruto said Chivayo's warmth touched many people and that he would remember him for his friendship, energy and belief in Africa's possibilities.

The President also expressed sympathy to everyone affected by the crash.

His message was directed not only to Chivayo's family but also to Lucy Muteke's family and the families of the other people who died.

He further extended his condolences to the leadership and people of Zimbabwe during what he described as a painful period.

A tragic loss

The helicopter crash has left six people dead and has brought mourning to families in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Among those who died were businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke.

For President William Ruto, the tragedy represents the loss of someone he personally regarded as a close friend.

As investigations continue, questions surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain unanswered.

What is already clear is that the accident has brought an unexpected end to the lives of six people and left their families and friends facing a painful loss.

Ruto has urged prayers and conveyed his condolences to all those affected, remembering Chivayo not only as a businessman but as a friend whose warmth, energy and belief in Africa's future left an impression on those around him.

The President's tribute also reflects the wider reaction to the tragedy, with condolences continuing to come in as Zimbabwe mourns the six lives lost in the helicopter crash.

For the families, friends and associates of those who died, the focus now shifts to mourning their loved ones and laying them to rest as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.