NAIROBI, Kenya- Wealthy Kenyan businessman Oketch Salah, whose real name is Ahmed Abdi Jama, has paid tribute to Zimbabwean Wicknell Chivayo, describing him as a friend and fellow entrepreneur “whose death is a painful loss to the business community.”
In a condolence message following the helicopter crash that killed Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and others in Zimbabwe, Salah remembered the businessman for his ambition and confidence in Africa’s future.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and others who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” Salah said.
The businessman behind Intratrek
Born on November 22, 1982, Chivayo is the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company associated with energy and infrastructure projects.
One of its best-known contracts is the Gwanda solar project, a proposed 100-megawatt power plant in southern Zimbabwe.
The project’s original contract price was approximately US$172.8 million.
The venture has attracted years of scrutiny over delays and a contractual dispute with the Zimbabwe Power Company.
In January 2023, the High Court ruled that the engineering, procurement and construction contract remained valid.
The Supreme Court dismissed the power company’s appeal in December that year, leaving the agreement in force.
A tribute to friendship and enterprise
Salah’s message focused on Chivayo’s personal qualities and entrepreneurial outlook.
“Wicknell was a man of ambition, energy and immense belief in Africa’s potential. His passing is a painful loss to his family, friends and the business community,” he said.
He also extended his sympathies to the families of the other victims and the people of Zimbabwe.
“My condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Zimbabwe. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
Chivayo and Muteke died after a helicopter crashed in Marondera district, southeast of Harare, on Wednesday, September 30.
State broadcaster ZBC reported their deaths, citing a family spokesperson.
Zimbabwean authorities said six people were aboard and indicated there were no survivors.
Ruto also pays tribute
Salah’s condolences follow a tribute from President William Ruto, who also described Chivayo as a dear friend.
Ruto said he would remember the businessman for his warmth, energy and belief in the continent’s possibilities.
He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.
Chivayo’s friendship with Ruto had included visits to State House and private engagements in Kenya.
In August, he and Muteke attended the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, at the President’s Kilgoris residence.
