Kenya: President Ruto's Ties to Controversial Tycoon Chivayo Irks Kenyan Opposition

President William Ruto's regular guest at State House, Wicknell Chivayo, has ignited opposition fury over the controversial Zimbabwean businessman's ties to the Kenyan presidency.

The latest trigger was the Harare-based tycoon's visit to the newly built Wajir State Lodge, a day after Ruto led Madaraka Day celebrations, where he later went on to describe the Head of State as a visionary president."There are certain blessings in life that no amount of wealth can purchase, and no amount of influence can manufacture. Among those blessings, I count the opportunity to be granted audience by one of Africa's most accomplished and visionary leaders..." stated Chivayo in a post on X.Chivayo also revealed that he is in talks with Ruto over implementing a multimillion-dollar investment project in the country. Ruto's administration, however, has never updated the public on such an investment or its funders.He serves as director of Intratrek Zimbabwe, an Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contractor specialising in renewable energy projects.According to the company's website, Intratrek focuses on large-scale solar and hydro power projects, claiming "more than 200MW of grid-tied solar plants currently under implementation" designed to transform Zimbabwe's energy landscape.In 2004, he was convicted of fraud involving and sentenced to three years in Chikurubi Maximum Prison.Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Zimbabwean human rights defender said Chivayo's camaraderie with Ruto is unhelpful to Kenyans."Nothing for the people but just another looting spree sanitised by presidential immunity," said the Harare-based human rights activist.A position echoed by former Attorney General (AG) Justin Muturi, who this week accused Ruto of associating with foreign individuals linked to disputed elections across Africa.Muturi believes Kenyans must question who gains access to State House as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election."This man is a convicted fraudster in the supply of electoral materials; in South Africa, in Namibia," Muturi said, referring to Chivayo.

Muturi claimed that Chivayo has been linked to election-related controversies in several countries and questioned why he continues to enjoy access to senior leaders in Kenya."Whenever he comes to Kenya, he arrives via Eldoret Airport. We must begin to ask, what is it that they do with William Ruto?" he said.Muturi further displayed photographs, which he claimed showed Chivayo inside the President's office and in meetings with regional leaders.He linked Chivayo to Zimbabwean President Emmerson M