Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo held more than US$11 billion for Kenyan President William Ruto prior to a fatal helicopter crash. Chivayo and his wife, Lulu, died alongside three other occupants in the crash near Marondera on Wednesday.
Rigathi Gachagua Alleges Billions Held in Private Airstrips
Speaking to clergy in Boston, United States, Gachagua alleged that Chivayo operated as a financial conduit and money launderer for President Ruto. Gachagua stated that the late businessman transported cash in US dollars via private planes that landed on private airstrips.
There was a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo, because I was his (President Ruto) deputy, I know they were doing business together, and he is a man he has been using for money laundering,
Gachagua alleged during the Boston engagement.
Gachagua claimed the total sum held by Chivayo exceeded Ksh1.5 trillion, which converts to approximately US$11 billion. Gachagua offered no documentary evidence or proof to substantiate the financial allegations during his address.
Electoral Technology Links and South Korean Firm Tender Allegations
Beyond the financial claims, Gachagua connected Chivayo’s death to upcoming procurement plans for Kenya’s 2027 General Election. He alleged an arrangement involving Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and South Korean election technology company Miru Systems, asserting that tender specifications favored the firm.
So, this Chivayo guy was a local agent for those fellows. So, this is the man he was to use to steal the vote,
Gachagua claimed. He suggested that Chivayo’s death has left the Kenyan president without his local agent and uncertain about the security of the alleged funds.
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