By a Correspondent
Zimbabwe is burying flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo on Thursday, October 8, following his death in a helicopter crash, as speculation over whether he actually died continues to circulate on Kenyan social media.
The speculation, fuelled by prominent influencers and political figures in the East African country, has raised questions online despite forensic and official evidence confirming that Chivayo died in the September 30 helicopter crash.
The episode has also highlighted how misinformation and unverified claims circulating on social media can fuel public confusion, underscoring the need for greater awareness and responsible use of digital platforms.
The speculation gained traction in Kenya after media personality and influencer Lynn Ngugi publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding Chivayo’s death, asking whether the businessman could have faked his death or been deliberately eliminated.
Ngugi pointed to Chivayo’s close relationships with powerful African political figures, including Kenyan President William Ruto, and his habit of publicly documenting his meetings with presidents and other influential personalities.
“What if Wicknell Chivayo faked his death or was taken out?” Ngugi wrote, according to Kenyan media reports.
She questioned whether Chivayo’s extensive documentation of his dealings with powerful people could have been intended as a form of protection.
Her comments triggered debate among Kenyan social media users, with some questioning the official account of the September 30 helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
Other social media influencers in Kenya also raised similar naratives.
The speculation was further amplified by former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who made extraordinary allegations concerning Chivayo’s financial relationship with Ruto.
Gachagua claimed that Chivayo was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion — equivalent to more than US$11 billion — belonging to Ruto when he died.
He also alleged that Chivayo had been used to move and keep large amounts of money on behalf of the Kenyan president and linked the Zimbabwean businessman to an alleged plan involving election technology ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.
However, Gachagua provided no evidence for the allegations, while neither Ruto nor his office had publicly confirmed the claims at the time they were reported.
Chivayo had become a familiar figure in Kenyan political and social circles. In August, Ruto was filmed driving the Zimbabwean businessman to a helipad at his Kilgoris residence, a moment Chivayo himself recorded and shared publicly.
Despite the theories circulating online, forensic evidence and official identification processes confirm that Chivayo died in the crash.
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke two pilots and a security aide were killed when their Bell 430 helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm near Marondera on September 30. The victims’ remains were badly damaged in the ensuing fire.
Forensic and DNA identification processes were subsequently completed, paving the way for the burial of Chivayo and Muteke at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday.
The severity of the crash means there will be no public viewing of the bodies, a development that has also contributed to speculation online.
Chivayo’s extraordinary public profile is partly responsible for the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
The businessman built a reputation for displaying his wealth on social media, giving away luxury vehicles and large amounts of cash while simultaneously showcasing his relationships with powerful political figures across Africa.
His relationship with Ruto gave him particular visibility in Kenya, and his sudden death has consequently attracted significant attention in the East African country.
The claims concerning the alleged US$11 billion have further intensified interest, particularly in Kenya. However, there is no evidence establishing that Chivayo was holding such an amount on behalf of Ruto.
The same applies to suggestions that he faked his death or was deliberately killed. The verified account is that Chivayo died in the helicopter crash alongside his wife and the other occupants of the aircraft.
As Zimbabwe lays the controversial businessman to rest, the online speculation surrounding his death continues to demonstrate the speed with which unverified claims can cross borders and gain traction on social media.
