Wicknell Chivayo’s estate probe puts Kenya business links, millions in debts under spotlight

The estate of late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo is facing increased scrutiny as his family begins investigating his business interests, foreign investments, properties and outstanding debts following his death in ya helicopter crash on September 30, 2026, which claimed six lives, including that of his wife, Lucy Muteke.

His former wife, Sonja Louise Madzikanda, and sister, Esther Chivayo, have signed a joint-administration agreement requiring them to disclose all known assets, liabilities, company shareholdings, investments, trusts and business interests. Newly discovered information must be shared within two working days, while safeguards have been introduced to prevent conflicts of interest.

*Kenya business links under scrutiny*

Particular attention has fallen on claims that Chivayo owned IMC Construction Kenya and was linked to a consortium seeking to participate in the expansion of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

However, Kenya’s government has denied that Chivayo or IMC Construction participated in the airport project. The US$154.2 billion Kenyan shilling contract was awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation.

A Kenyan High Court has ordered the government to disclose the airport contract and preserve procurement records following a transparency challenge. However, the court noted that no evidence had been presented linking Chivayo to the project.

Chivayo’s publicly displayed connections with Kenyan President William Ruto, including photographs of their meetings and official engagements, have also attracted renewed attention. Nevertheless, these relationships do not establish ownership of Kenyan companies or involvement in government contracts.

*US$25 million ex-wife claim and millions in debts*

Chivayo’s estate also faces a US$25 million matrimonial-property claim filed by his former wife, Sonja Madzikanda. The case, which included demands for property, luxury vehicles, maintenance and other financial benefits, was awaiting a Supreme Court decision when he died. Proceedings were removed from the court roll pending the appointment of an estate representative.

Meanwhile, three Harare car dealerships — Exquisite Cars, Enterprise Car Sales and Faramatsi Motors — have reportedly claimed a combined US$5.1 million for vehicles supplied to Chivayo on credit.

The reported amounts are US$1.4 million owed to Exquisite Cars, US$1.3 million to Enterprise Car Sales and US$2.4 million to Faramatsi Motors. However, Exquisite Cars owner Victor Vikela disputed the reported figure, describing it as exaggerated and saying the amount owed had been written off.

Chivayo had also publicly claimed to have donated more than US$100 million to musicians, religious leaders and other public figures, although publicly documented gifts were estimated at over US$50 million.

*Business empire and assets to be investigated*

Among his major business interests was Intratrek, which received the contract for the 100-megawatt Gwanda solar project in 2015, initially valued at approximately US$172.8 million. Zimbabwe Power Company paid an advance of about US$5 million in 2016, but the project suffered major delays and became the subject of lengthy disputes.

Chivayo was also linked to controversy surrounding contracts for 2023 election materials supplied through South African company Ren-Form. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission closed its investigation in 2025, saying it had found no evidence linking him or ZEC to wrongdoing. He had earlier been acquitted in 2023 in a case involving the Gwanda solar project advance payment.

His reported assets include properties in Harare, Cape Town and Eswatini, private aircraft and a US$12 million property in England reportedly purchased shortly before his death.

Another property under scrutiny is a large Gletwyn property in Harare, which was reportedly sold for US$2.555 million in 2017, although its transfer was never completed following a dispute over its tax valuation.

*Estate value yet to be established*

The estate administration process must now establish which assets belonged personally to Chivayo, which were held through companies or trusts, and what outstanding debts and legal claims must be settled.

The interests of his two minor children have also been recognised, with separate accounts belonging to them excluded from the estate’s assets.

Ultimately, the investigation will determine the true value of Chivayo’s estate by examining company records, bank accounts, property documents, foreign investments, outstanding payments and creditor claims.

His reported Kenyan business connections remain unconfirmed, particularly regarding the JKIA project, and will only become clearer if documentary evidence establishes that any foreign companies or investments were linked to his estate. *_-MyZimbabwe_*