NAIROBI — Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations linking late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to President William Ruto, claiming the businessman was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion allegedly belonging to the Kenyan president at the time of his death.

Gachagua made the claims during a town hall community engagement in Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States, where he alleged that Ruto had been using Chivhayo to move and hold money.

According to Gachagua, Chivayo was a business associate of Ruto and allegedly transported money in US dollars by aircraft before keeping the funds on the president’s behalf.

“He is so angry there was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe. They were doing business together, and he is the man he has been using for money laundering. He gets money in dollars, and that man comes with a plane and takes the money to keep for him,” Gachagua claimed.

Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion for Ruto when he died.

“Kasongo has gone berserk; this man has his money over KSh1.5 trillion, the man is dead, his wife is dead, and he doesn’t know where to begin,” he said.

Gachagua, however, did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations, which have not been independently verified.

Neither Ruto nor his representatives had publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication.

The allegations have emerged against the backdrop of Chivayo’s highly publicised relationship with Ruto.

The Zimbabwean businessman had publicly shared photographs and videos of his encounters with the Kenyan president, including visits to State House and private engagements.

Following Chivayo’s death, Ruto described him as a dear friend and expressed deep sorrow over his passing.

“I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent,” Ruto said in his condolence message.

Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died when their helicopter crashed at Kudenga Farm in the Marondera Rural area on Wednesday, September 30.

The crash killed all six people aboard, including two pilots and a security aide. Investigations into the cause of the accident are continuing.

Chivayo and Wife to Be Buried Thursday

Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for Chivayo and Muteke have been finalised, with the couple set to be buried at Glen Forest Cemetery in Harare on Thursday, October 8.

Family spokesperson Herbert Chivhayo confirmed the burial arrangements as relatives, friends and associates gathered to mourn the couple.

The family has also announced that there will be no body viewing before the burial because of the condition of the remains following the crash.

Chivayo’s death has continued to generate widespread reaction across Zimbabwe and the region, with political leaders, business figures, musicians and members of the public paying tribute to the controversial but highly visible businessman.

The latest allegations by Gachagua are likely to add another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Chivayo’s extensive business and political relationships, although the claims remain unsubstantiated.