By a Correspondent
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations linking late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to President William Ruto, claiming the businessman was used to move and hold more than KSh1.5 trillion (about US$11.57 billion) on behalf of the Kenyan president.
Gachagua made the claims while addressing clergy in Boston, United States, on Sunday, as he spoke about Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
According to Kenyan media reports, Gachagua alleged that Chivayo and Ruto had business dealings and accused the Zimbabwean businessman of acting as a conduit for funds allegedly belonging to the Kenyan president.
“They were doing business together, and he is a man he has been using for money laundering,” Gachagua was quoted as saying.
Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo would receive money in US dollars and transport it by aircraft to private airstrips, where the funds were allegedly kept.
He claimed that the amount Chivayo was holding exceeded KSh1.5 trillion, equivalent to approximately US$11.57 billion based on an exchange rate of about KSh129.7 to the US dollar on October 4, 2026.
Gachagua also suggested that Chivayo’s death had left Ruto concerned about the whereabouts of the alleged funds.
The former Kenyan Deputy President, however, did not provide documentary evidence during his address to support the allegation that Chivayo was holding money belonging to Ruto.
Chivayo, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman known for his high-profile relationships with African political leaders, died in a helicopter crash near Marondera last Wednesday alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, and three other occupants.
Ruto has publicly mourned Chivayo, describing him as a friend. The Zimbabwean businessman had also cultivated relationships with several African leaders, including Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chivayo was a regular visitor to Kenya and enjoyed close ties with Ruto, with his frequent presence at State House in Nairobi and other high-level engagements drawing attention in Kenyan media.
