NAIROBI, Kenya- Like Wicknell Chivayo, Zimbabwean businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure lived much of his public life in the spotlight, sharing images of wealth and attracting attention far beyond his country.
Both died in transport crashes alongside people close to them, leaving behind families and large social media followings.
Chivayo, a friend of President William Ruto, died alongside his wife, Lucy Muteke, in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe’s Marondera district on September 30, 2026.
Ginimbi died nearly six years earlier, when his Rolls-Royce crashed in Harare on November 8, 2020.
Chivayo’s death has brought renewed attention to Ginimbi, whose luxury cars, lavish parties and fatal road accident became a widely discussed story across the region.
Two businessmen with highly public lives
Chivayo’s public profile included his relationships with political leaders. He frequently shared photographs and accounts of meetings with presidents, including Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He also became known for expensive gifts of vehicles and cash.
Ginimbi’s celebrity centred more on nightlife and entertainment.
His social media accounts offered followers a view of his cars, his Domboshava home and his celebrations. ZimLive reported that he had more than 600,000 Instagram followers when he died. He also owned Dreams Nightlife, a nightclub in Harare.
His all-white parties became a signature feature of his public image, attracting celebrities and socialites.
Who was Ginimbi?
Born on October 10, 1984, Ginimbi’s full name was Genius Kadungure.
His business interests included gas supplies through Pioneer Gas, with operations linked to Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
Accounts of his early career describe him starting small business transactions as a teenager before moving into supplying gas to domestic customers.
He was 36 when he died, less than a month after celebrating his birthday.
A birthday celebration before the fatal crash
Ginimbi’s final night was spent celebrating the birthday of Zimbabwean fitness trainer and socialite Mitchelle Amuli, popularly known as Moana.
The group attended her 27th birthday celebration at Dreams Nightlife before leaving for his home in Domboshava.
Moana was among the three passengers killed alongside him. The other victims were identified in reporting as Malawian Limumba Karim and a Mozambican woman named Elisha.
Hours before the accident, Ginimbi had posted a video announcing that he was heading to the celebration. It showed him preparing to leave in the Rolls-Royce Wraith that was later involved in the crash.
What killed Ginimbi?
Ginimbi died in a road collision on Borrowdale Road in Harare in the early hours of November 8, 2020.
The Herald reported that the accident happened at approximately 4.45am. His Rolls-Royce collided with a Honda Fit, left the road and struck a tree before catching fire.
Witness Danny Kuwanga told ZimLive that the Rolls-Royce had overtaken his vehicle and was attempting to pass another when it collided with the oncoming Honda.
The Honda’s driver and a passenger survived with minor injuries, according to the report.
Then Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed four deaths and identified speeding as a suspected factor.
That was a preliminary assessment while investigations continued.
Chivayo’s death renews memories of Ginimbi
For Kenyan readers, Chivayo was particularly familiar because of his friendship with Ruto and his visits to State House.
The President’s tribute described him as a dear friend whose warmth, energy and belief in Africa’s potential he would remember.
Chivayo and Muteke had also attended the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, at his Kilgoris residence in August. During that visit, Ruto personally drove Chivayo to a helipad, a moment the businessman recorded.
Ginimbi’s death followed a different journey, but it similarly ended a life whose celebrations and material success had been extensively documented online.
He was buried at his Domboshava home on November 14, 2020, six days after the crash.
