Rigathi Gachagua Alleges Late Tycoon Wicknell Chivayo Held US$11 Billion for William Ruto
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed on Sunday that late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was holding more than US$11 billion for Kenyan President William Ruto at the time of his death. Chivayo and his wife, Lulu, died alongside three other occupants when a helicopter crashed near Marondera on Wednesday, according to regional reporting by Tuko News. Speaking to clergy in Boston, United States, Gachagua alleged that the Zimbabwean tycoon had operated as a financial conduit for the Kenyan head of state.
Gachagua Claims Ruto Moved Billions via Private Airstrips
Gachagua stated during his Boston address that President Ruto used Chivayo to move and store large quantities of cash outside formal banking systems. According to his remarks, the businessman transported dollar bills via private aircraft that landed on private airstrips. Gachagua placed the total sum involved at over Ksh1.5 trillion, which converts to approximately US$11 billion. Tuko News noted that no documentary evidence or independent verification was provided to support these assertions.
Gachagua Links Chivayo to South Korean Election Technology
Beyond the financial accusations, Gachagua linked Chivayo’s death to upcoming political contests in East Africa. He alleged that the late businessman served as a local agent for Miru Systems, a South Korean election technology company. According to the former deputy president, tender specifications for Kenya’s 2027 General Election were designed to favor the firm through an arrangement with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Unsubstantiated Claims Remain Unaddressed by Nairobi
The Kenyan presidency has not issued a formal response to the claims made in the United States. Tuko News confirmed that independent verification of the alleged financial holdings and procurement arrangements is currently impossible due to a lack of substantiating records. Investigators in Zimbabwe continue examining the circumstances of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Chivayo, his wife, and pilot Captain Calvin Soda.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Allegations
Who was Wicknell Chivayo?
Wicknell Chivayo was a Zimbabwean businessman who died alongside his wife, Lulu, and three others in a helicopter crash near Marondera on Wednesday. Regional reports identified the pilot of the aircraft as Captain Calvin Soda.
What specific allegations did Rigathi Gachagua make in Boston?
Speaking to clergy in Boston, former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that Chivayo held more than US$11 billion in funds on behalf of President William Ruto. He also alleged the businessman was tied to local agency work for South Korean election technology firm Miru Systems ahead of the 2027 polls.
Has any evidence been produced to support the Ksh1.5 trillion claim?
No documentary evidence or independent verification has been provided to support Gachagua’s allegations regarding the funds or election technology arrangements, as reported by Tuko News.
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