Leaders mourn Wicknell Chivayo as social media celebrates

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and businessman Wicknell Chivayo. [Courtesy]

The death of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has triggered an unusual mix of grief, shock and celebration on social media, with reactions spilling across Zimbabwe, Kenya and other parts of Africa.

For some, the death of the flamboyant businessman and his wife, Lucy Muteke, is a tragedy. For others, it has become an occasion to air long-standing grievances over his wealth, political connections and public image.

Chivayo and Muteke were among six people who died on Wednesday evening when their helicopter crashed in the Marondera area, about 70 kilometres east of Harare. Zimbabwean authorities said there were no survivors, with investigations into the cause of the crash under way.

In Kenya, President William Ruto mourned Chivayo, describing him as a “dear friend”.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Wicknell Chivayo, together with his wife, Lucy Muteke, and the other lives lost in the helicopter crash in Zimbabwe,” Ruto said.

Ruto said he would remember Chivayo for his friendship, energy and “deep conviction in the possibilities of our continent”, while sending condolences to the bereaved families, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe.

The tribute has drawn attention because of the unusually public friendship between the two men.

Chivayo had visited State House in Nairobi and appeared with Ruto on several occasions. In August, he shared footage of the Kenyan President personally driving him and his wife to a waiting helicopter after attending the traditional engagement ceremony of Ruto’s daughter Charlene in Kilgoris, Narok County.

But while Ruto mourned his friend, parts of social media took a very different tone.

Zimbabweans in particular questioned the idea that the country should mourn Chivayo, with some linking their reaction to his highly publicised wealth, his support for political figures and controversies surrounding his business dealings.

One social media user, Tjenesani, compared the reaction to the fictional death of King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, writing: “The last time I saw people celebrate a downfall this hard was when they killed King Joffrey.”

Chivayo’s public profile was built around both business and conspicuous displays of wealth. He was the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe and became closely associated with major energy and infrastructure projects, including the long-running Gwanda Solar Project.

His business activities and political relationships had attracted scrutiny over the years, with Chivayo denying allegations of wrongdoing. His philanthropic gestures, including expensive vehicles and cash donations to individuals and organisations, also made him a prominent social media personality.

In Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa mourned Chivayo, his wife and the other victims, describing the deaths as a national tragedy.

“The sudden and unexpected tragic passing on of Mr and Mrs Chivayo, two crew members and a security aide in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon left our Nation, my family, and me personally numbed and in deep shock and grief,” Mnangagwa said.

The President also highlighted the family’s philanthropy and their contribution to communities.

Yet online, the debate has gone beyond mourning.

Some users have questioned why Chivayo appeared to have such close access to political leaders while ordinary Zimbabweans struggled with economic hardships. Others have defended his right to spend and give away his money as he wished.

Across borders, old photographs and videos of Chivayo with presidents have resurfaced, reminding social media users of the businessman’s extraordinary network.

By Thursday, official statements from several other African presidents with whom Chivayo had been publicly associated had not been located, leaving the reactions from Ruto and Mnangagwa among the most prominent presidential tributes so far.