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Over the weekend, President William Ruto hosted Wicknell Chivayo, popularly known as "Sir Wicknell," a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and socialite.
The meeting took place at President Ruto's farm and was highlighted by Sir Wicknell's enthusiastic social media post, where he detailed the visit and shared his admiration for President Ruto's leadership.
Wicknell's Perspective on the Visit
In a heartfelt post, Sir Wicknell described his experience in Kenya as a "magical day," which included a breathtaking safari in the Masai Mara and a helicopter tour over Kenya's majestic landscapes.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet President Ruto and the First Lady, Rachel Ruto, calling it a "rare and extraordinary privilege."
Chivayo heaped praise on President Ruto, describing him as one of Africa's "most distinguished leaders."
He commended the president’s "deep humility," commitment to innovation, economic transformation, and agricultural excellence.
Sir Wicknell emphasised how Ruto's leadership mirrors the values of faith, integrity, and discipline, which resonate deeply across the continent.
"The president is not just a leader but a statesman who commands respect across the continent," wrote Chivayo.
He likened Ruto's leadership style to that of Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighting their shared focus on balancing national responsibilities with personal hard work, as evidenced by Ruto's expansive agricultural ventures, including a cattle farm, avocado plantations, and a poultry farm producing 150,000 eggs daily.
Wicknell Chivayo's Profile
Chivayo is the managing director of Intratrek Zimbabwe (PVT) Ltd, a company primarily involved in engineering, procurement, and construction projects in the energy sector.
Known for his controversial dealings and high-profile connections, particularly with Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa, Chivayo has become a polarising figure in his home country.
His career, which began in the early 2000s, spans multiple sectors. However, his business activities have not been without controversy.
He has faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, including a scandal involving inflated prices for election materials in collaboration with South African firm Ren-Form.
Additionally, he has a legal history that includes a 2004 theft conviction and corruption charges in 2018, from which he was acquitted in March 2023.
Chivayo's public image combines elements of philanthropy, controversy, and opulence.
His philanthropic efforts include supporting causes aligned with Zimbabwe's ruling party and backing local artists.
However, his extravagant lifestyle, often flaunted on social media, has drawn mixed reactions. While some admire his success, others criticise his controversial dealings and legal troubles.
Extravagance
Wicknell Chivayo is known for his extravagant lifestyle, marked by lavish spending and high-profile gifts. Here are some of his most notable extravagant moments:
Chivayo owns a fleet of six all-white luxury vehicles worth approximately $3.5 million parked at his mansion in Harare.
This collection includes high-end brands such as Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, reflecting his taste for opulence.
He has reportedly donated over 50 cars, spending more than $5 million in total.
Notably, he gifted 50 Toyota Aqua vehicles to members of his church, valued at around $400,000, demonstrating his penchant for charitable giving through luxury items.
In a display of friendship and generosity, Chivayo gifted a 2023 Bentley Bentayga worth over half a million dollars to his longtime friend Tazvi Mhaka.
Chivayo built a Hollywood-style mansion in Harare's Chishawasha Hills, furnished by South Africa’s Norman Bakos Signature Collection.