By Munacho Gwamanda-Controversial businessman and close associate of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Wicknell Chivayo, has once again landed in the spotlight amid allegations of engaging in clandestine dealings on behalf of the Zimbabwean leader.
This weekend, Chivayo reportedly traveled to Kenya, allegedly to deliver another tranche of illicit funds linked to his murky business operations.
Sources familiar with Chivayo’s close ties to Mnangagwa revealed that the businessman’s recent trip to Nairobi was part of a broader network of questionable financial activities.
“Wicknell Chivayo traveled to Kenya this afternoon with his fiancée to deliver yet another ‘loot.’ Based on the flight history of his private jet, it’s clear that he has been quite busy, frequently flying in and out of Zimbabwe, conducting his usual ‘runner’ business,” a source disclosed.
Chivayo’s relationship with Mnangagwa has long been a subject of public controversy, with the businessman benefiting from lucrative government contracts under questionable circumstances.
His extravagant lifestyle, flaunted on social media, has fueled speculation about his role as a financial conduit for the ruling elite.
Recently, Chivayo made headlines when he was photographed with Kenyan President William Ruto, a move that raisedfurther questions about the nature of his dealings in Kenya.
The meeting sparked concerns that Chivayo could be leveraging high-profile political connections beyond Zimbabwe to secure and facilitate illicit financial transactions.
Critics argue that his ability to gain access to influential figures such as Ruto underscores the extent of his influence and the reach of Mnangagwa’s patronage network.
However, not everyone within Zimbabwe’s ruling party has been supportive of Chivayo’s activities.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga recently denounced him for exploiting his links with the First Family to engage in corruption.
Without mentioning Chivayo by name, Chiwenga warned Mnangagwa’s inner circle, whom he disparagingly referred to as Zvigananda (bootlickers), that their time was running out.
He further hinted that some of them could face jail time if he assumes the presidency in 2028, signaling intensifyingfactional tensions within ZANU-PF.
Despite mounting criticism, Mnangagwa has continued to defend Chivayo.
When pressed by journalists about his association with the businessman, Mnangagwa dismissed concerns, stating, “If there is anyone who has lost money to Chivayo, they should report him to the police.”
His remarks did little to quell suspicions, with many interpreting them as a tacit endorsement of Chivayo’s dealings.