Rigathi Gachagua Alleges President Ruto's Sh1.5 Trillion Was Held by Chivayo

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made fresh allegations about the relationship between President William Ruto and late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Gachagua claimed that Chivayo had been involved in handling money allegedly belonging to Ruto, including funds he put at more than Sh1.5 trillion.

The former Deputy President made the claims while addressing clergy in Boston, United States, on Sunday, October 4.
His remarks came days after Chivayo, his wife and four other people died in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.

Gachagua alleged that Chivayo and Ruto had business dealings during the period when he served as Deputy President.
He further claimed that Chivayo was used to transport and keep money on behalf of the President.

Gachagua Claims Chivayo Held Billions

According to Gachagua, money was allegedly received in US dollars before being transported by aircraft to private airstrips.
He claimed the funds were subsequently kept by Chivayo on behalf of Ruto.

“There was a business partner of his, a crook from Zimbabwe called Chivayo,” Gachagua said while describing the alleged relationship.
He claimed he was aware of the dealings because he had served as Ruto’s deputy.

Gachagua further alleged that Chivayo was holding more than Sh1.5 trillion when he died.
He suggested that Chivayo’s death had created uncertainty over the whereabouts of the money he claimed was being held for Ruto.

The former Deputy President did not present documentary evidence during the address to support the allegations.
The claims have also not been independently verified by the media outlets reporting his remarks.

Ruto and Chivayo Had Publicly Documented Interactions

Chivayo had publicly documented links with President Ruto before his death, including meetings and social engagements.
Daily Nation reported that their last known meeting was a private dinner at State House in Nairobi on September 9, where a planned Sh25.94 billion infrastructure investment was reportedly discussed.

The businessman had also appeared alongside Ruto at other private and official engagements in Kenya.
However, publicly available reporting does not establish that Chivayo formally served as a government official or adviser to Ruto.

Chivayo died on September 30, 2026, alongside his wife and other passengers when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Zimbabwe.
His death has since brought renewed attention to his business interests, political connections and investments across the region.

Gachagua's latest claims are therefore likely to generate further debate over the nature of the relationship between the late businessman and the Kenyan President.
For now, however, the allegation concerning the Sh1.5 trillion remains unsubstantiated, pending evidence or an independent investigation.