President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died together with his wife, Lucy ‘Lulu’ Muteke, in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.

The crash happened on Wednesday, September 30, in the Marondera rural area, southeast of Harare.

Six people died in the accident, according to reports. Chivayo and his wife were among those on board, and there were no survivors. 

The cause of the crash had not been established by the time of publication.

In a message shared after the tragedy, President Ruto described Chivayo as his “dear friend”. He said he was deeply saddened by the businessman’s death, alongside his wife and the other passengers.

“Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them,” Ruto said.

He further added that he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in the potential of Africa.

He also sent condolences to the families of the victims, 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

Ruto’s relationship with Chivayo had attracted public attention. 

Chivayo was a Zimbabwean businessman, while Ruto is Kenya’s president. Despite this, they were seen together on several occasions.

Chivayo became known in Kenya after making high-profile visits and appearing at events involving members of Ruto’s family.

He also attracted attention for his friendship with the president and his public display of expensive cars, private aircraft and luxury items.

The relationship was unusual because Chivayo was not a Kenyan government official or a widely known political figure in the country.

His closeness to Ruto therefore raised curiosity among Kenyans, with some people questioning how the two had become close friends.

Chivayo became one of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable businessmen through his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe.

He was also known for his lavish lifestyle and public donations of luxury vehicles and money. His wealth made him popular with some Zimbabweans but controversial among others.

Chivayo married Lucy Muteke, popularly known as Lulu, in 2025. She was described in reports as a model, influencer and personal shopper. The couple died together in the crash.

He also had children from a previous marriage. Reports said he had two children with his former wife, Sonja Madzikanda. Information about his children has largely remained private.

News of the deaths shocked Zimbabwe. Family spokesperson Herbert Chivayo confirmed that Wicknell and Lucy had died, saying the family was devastated.

Reactions across Zimbabwe were mixed. Some people expressed sympathy for the families and the other victims, while others used social media to criticise Chivayo because of his controversial public image and wealth.