Questions are mounting over the unusually close relationship between President William Ruto and Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo after the businessman publicly shared footage and images from locations that are rarely opened to ordinary members of the public.
Critics are now questioning why Chivayo has been allowed such extensive access to the President, including at State House, Ruto’s private farm in Kilgoris and around the President’s private vehicles.
The issue has gained renewed attention as Chivayo continues to document his encounters with Ruto on social media.
In a post on X, City Lawyer Donald Kipkorir questioned why Chivayo has been allowed to record and publicly share footage showing his encounters with Ruto at State House, the President’s Kilgoris farm and around his private vehicle.
“Why has our President William Ruto allowed Wicknell Chivayo, a man with dubious distinction to video record him?” Kipkorir asked.
Kipkorir argued that the footage has given the public an unusually close look at places and surroundings associated with the President.
“Chivayo has allowed the whole world to see our President’s public offices at State House, his Kilgoris farm & his private car. No other Kenyan has such access & leeway.”
The lawyer questioned whether the level of access should raise concerns beyond politics and personal relationships, particularly from a security perspective.
“Doesn’t this unparalleled access by a convicted fraudster raise both moral & security issues?”
Kipkorir also took aim at Chivayo’s reputation, describing him as a “fraudster” and questioning his influence in Zimbabwe.
Wicknell Chivayo’s posts show repeated visits to State House, where he has described meetings with President William Ruto as a privilege and praised Ruto’s leadership.
Chivayo has also previously shared images from Ruto’s private farm in Kilgoris, further highlighting the level of access he has enjoyed.
The Standard reported that he has documented at least six meetings with Ruto since January 2025, including encounters at State House and the President’s private farm.
That access has become a subject of political and public scrutiny, particularly because of Chivayo’s controversial history.
Wicknell Chivayo is a convicted fraudster in Zimbabwe, and his business dealings have repeatedly attracted scrutiny.
A recent investigation into his financial and political networks also raised questions over his access to senior political figures and the vetting surrounding his activities in Kenya.
The controversy has also coincided with reports linking a company associated with Chivayo to the proposed expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, adding another layer to questions surrounding his growing presence in Kenya.
Critics now want the Presidency to explain the nature of Chivayo’s relationship with Ruto and why he appears to enjoy access to spaces and moments ordinarily shielded from public view.
