President William Ruto has mourned Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo following his death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. 

In a statement on Thursday, October 1, Ruto described Chivayo as a friend and said his death, alongside his wife Lucy Muteke and other people who died in the crash, was a painful loss to their families, friends and those who knew them.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Their sudden departure is a painful loss to their families, friends and all who knew them," he wrote.

Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and belief in the potential of the African continent.

"Wicknell was a dear friend whose warmth touched many people. I will remember him for his friendship, his energy and his deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent," he added.

Ruto also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe as they mourned the deaths.

"I convey my deepest condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, to President Mnangawga, the people of Zimbabwe and everyone mourning this tragic loss. May God grant Wicknell, Lucy and all those who perished eternal rest," he further said.

 The crash occurred in the Marondera Rural area on Wednesday, September 30, with the aircraft carrying six occupants at the time of the incident.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the crash, saying authorities were responding to the incident.

"The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants," the ZPR said.

Chivayo was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and close ties to political elites across Africa. 

His political connections, particularly with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, were central to his business dealings, which also attracted significant controversy.

Read Also: Who Was Wicknell Chivayo?: Zimbabwe Tycoon Who Lived Large And Dined With Presidents

Chivayo was born on November 22, 1982, and left school in 1996 to work as a wages clerk before venturing into foreign currency trading in Harare. 

His early business career was marked by legal trouble; he served a prison term between 2004 and 2006 for a fraud-related case.

After his release, he founded Intratrek Zimbabwe in 2008, an engineering, procurement, and construction firm that became the flagship of his business empire.

The company's most notable project was the Gwanda Solar Power Station, a $173 million venture in Zimbabwe. 

Chivayo's business success was deeply intertwined with his political connections, which he cultivated and displayed prominently on social media.

Other than Mnangangwa, Chivayo developed a highly visible relationship with President William Ruto, referring to him as a 'father and mentor.'

Their meetings occurred in both official settings, like State House, and private ones, such as Ruto's family home in Kilgoris. 

Chivayo also had documented visits with the leaders of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, and Eswatini.