Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, are among six people who died after a private helicopter crashed in Marondera, eastern Zimbabwe, on Wednesday evening.
The aircraft went down at Kudenga Farm at around 5pm, shortly after the couple had left Gandami in Chikomba, where they had been overseeing the construction of their rural home. Reports indicate the helicopter crashed about 40 minutes after take-off.
Chivayo, a prominent businessman known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile public profile, was travelling with Muteke and other passengers when the aircraft crashed. Zimbabwean authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.
Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed the deaths of the couple, saying the family was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Zimbabwean police also confirmed the crash and said investigations were underway.
Known as the president’s friend, Chivayo had built a strong public profile through his business activities, philanthropy and frequent appearances alongside prominent political figures.
In Kenya, President William Ruto has mourned Chivayo, describing him as a “dear friend” whose warmth, energy and belief in Africa’s potential touched many people.
Ruto said Chivayo’s sudden death was a painful loss to his family, friends and all who knew him.
“Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people,” Ruto said, adding that he would remember the businessman for his friendship, energy and conviction in the possibilities of the African continent.
The President also conveyed his condolences to the families of all those who died, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
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. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them.
Wicknell was a…
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 30, 2026
Chivayo’s public relationship with Ruto had attracted considerable attention in Kenya, with the two having met on several occasions in recent years. Chivayo had also publicly spoken about business and investment interests in Kenya and openly expressed his support for Ruto.
Back in Zimbabwe, attention has now turned to the crash site as authorities work to establish what caused the helicopter to go down.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, with investigators yet to release findings on the possible cause.
APERIT FM, HII NI YETU
