Why Ruto Missed Wicknell Chivayo’s Burial Amid Gachagua’s Claims

President William Ruto’s absence from the burial of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has raised questions, particularly given their publicly displayed friendship.

Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, were laid to rest in Harare on October 8, 2026. However, Ruto did not attend the ceremony, and no official explanation had been provided for his absence at the time of reporting.

The development comes amid allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed while speaking in Boston that Chivayo was holding more than KSh1.5 trillion allegedly belonging to Ruto.

Gachagua further alleged that the businessman had been involved in transporting and keeping money in private locations. However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate the claims, and they remain unverified allegations.

The remarks have added another dimension to the discussion surrounding Ruto’s relationship with the late businessman and his decision not to attend the burial.

Chivayo had maintained a visible relationship with the Kenyan President, meeting him on several occasions and publicly expressing admiration for him. The businessman once described Ruto as his “dear friend, elder brother and father,” reflecting the closeness he associated with their relationship.

Following Chivayo’s death, Ruto also publicly mourned him, acknowledging their friendship.

His absence from the funeral has therefore attracted attention, with some questioning whether the controversy surrounding Chivayo and Gachagua’s allegations could have influenced the decision.

However, there is no confirmed evidence linking the allegations to Ruto’s absence. It would therefore be premature to conclude that the claims played any role in his decision not to travel to Zimbabwe.

Whether the President missed the burial because of official commitments or other reasons remains unclear. An explanation from State House would help clarify the circumstances surrounding his absence.