BOSTON, United States — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was holding more than Sh1.5 trillion belonging to President William Ruto when he died in a helicopter crash.
Gachagua made the allegations during an engagement with clergy in Boston, United States, linking Chivayo to alleged financial dealings with Ruto and an alleged plan to influence Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Gachagua Alleges Chivayo Held Ruto’s Money
Gachagua said Chivayo, whom he described as a business associate of Ruto, had allegedly been used to move and hold money on behalf of the President.
“There was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo. This man, because I was his deputy, so I know, they were doing business together,” Gachagua claimed.
He further alleged that Chivayo received money in dollars and transported it by plane to private airstrips, where he kept the funds.
Gachagua then claimed that more than Sh1.5 trillion belonging to Ruto was allegedly being held by Chivayo when the businessman died.
“The man has his money, over 1.5 trillion. The man is dead, his wife is dead, he doesn’t know where to begin,” Gachagua claimed.
Chivayo Linked To Alleged Election Plan
Gachagua also alleged that Chivayo was involved in an arrangement he claimed was intended to influence the 2027 General Election through election technology.
He alleged that Chivayo was to serve as a local intermediary for a South Korean company whose technology he claimed was being considered for Kenya’s electoral system.
Gachagua further alleged that tender specifications had been designed to favour the unnamed company.
Gachagua has previously raised similar concerns about the proposed procurement of election technology from South Korean firm Miru Systems, alleging that the process was being tailored to favour the company.
Chivayo Died In Helicopter Crash
Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died after their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area of Zimbabwe on September 30.
Zimbabwean authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. The circumstances surrounding the accident have not been established.
Chivayo had maintained a public relationship with Ruto and had met the Kenyan President on several occasions, including during discussions around potential investments in Kenya.
Gachagua also sought to distance himself from any suggestion that he was connected to Chivayo’s death.
“William Ruto, please don’t blame Riggy G. I didn’t kill this guy. I was in the United States. The accident happened in Zimbabwe. Surely I have nothing to do with it,” he said.
