Kenya's Ruto visits Zimbabwe amid scrutiny over Chivayo ties

Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in Harare yesterday to attend the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit, amid renewed scrutiny over his relationship with the late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Ruto, who is the outgoing COMESA chairperson, travelled to Zimbabwe primarily to hand over the bloc's leadership to his host, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The summit, being held at the New Parliament Building, focuses on regional economic integration, industrialisation and trade cooperation among member states.

The visit marks Ruto's first trip to Zimbabwe since Chivayo died in a helicopter crash on September 30.

Before his death, Chivayo was widely reported to have enjoyed close access to the Kenyan presidency. He frequently visited State House in Nairobi, attended a family engagement involving Ruto's daughter, Charlene, and attracted attention after recording a viral video showing the Kenyan president driving him.

Ruto had described Chivayo as a friend, while their relationship attracted political debate in Kenya over access to the presidency, state hospitality and the businessman's corporate interests.

Chivayo also reportedly held a Kenyan diplomatic passport, while companies linked to him were mentioned in reports concerning major infrastructure projects, including proposed airport developments in Kenya.

Ruto's arrival in Chivayo's home country has renewed discussion on social media and among political commentators about the nature of their personal and business ties.

However, questions surrounding their reported financial and corporate relationships remain matters of public scrutiny, and the circumstances of those dealings should be distinguished from established findings.