Kenya's President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, following their deaths in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Ruto described Chivayo as a close friend whose death was a painful loss, while sending condolences to the families of all those who died in the Wednesday, September 30 crash.
“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 wrote on his official social media accounts.
“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them.”
The helicopter crashed in Marondera Rural, southeast of Zimbabwe's capital Harare, at about 5pm local time on Wednesday.
Zimbabwe's state broadcaster ZBC reported the deaths, citing confirmation from a family spokesperson, while authorities said six people were aboard the aircraft and that there were no survivors.
Ruto remembered Chivayo for his warmth, energy and belief in Africa's potential, highlighting a friendship that extended beyond their official engagements.
“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,” he said.
Chivayo had made several high-profile visits to Kenya and met Ruto at State House on various occasions. In August, the businessman and his wife attended the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto's daughter, Charlene, at the President's residence in Kilgoris.
During the visit, Ruto personally drove Chivayo to a helipad, with the businessman later sharing footage of the moment publicly.
The President also extended his condolences to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
“I convey my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, to President Mnangagwa, the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss,” Ruto said.
“May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest.”
Helicopter Crash
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that the aircraft came down in Marondera Rural on Wednesday evening.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said emergency responders had been dispatched to the scene as authorities began establishing what happened.
“The aircraft crashed in Marondera Rural at around 5pm. Emergency responders are attending the scene and further information will be released,” Nyathi said.
The cause of the crash had not been established by the time of the initial reports.
Authorities had also not released a full list of the passengers aboard the helicopter, with investigations expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and confirm further details.
