Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that late Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was used to transport and hold money allegedly belonging to President William Ruto.
The claim was made in Boston, United States, where Gachagua was addressing members of the clergy.
According to the former Deputy President, money was allegedly received in dollars before being transported by private aircraft.
He claimed the aircraft would land at private airstrips before the funds were allegedly handed over to Chivayo for safekeeping.
Gachagua said his position as Ruto’s deputy gave him knowledge of the alleged business relationship between the two men.
He further alleged that Chivayo was holding more than Sh1.5 trillion linked to Ruto when the businessman died.
The allegations emerged only days after Chivayo was killed in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe.
His wife and four other people were also killed in the incident, which has since attracted attention because of the businessman’s high-profile connections.
Gachagua suggested that Chivayo’s death had created questions over the alleged funds he claimed were being held by the businessman.
He did not, however, provide documentary evidence during his address to support the claim concerning the money.
The former Deputy President also described Chivayo as a business partner of Ruto while recounting what he said he knew about their dealings.
He alleged that the businessman had been involved in moving funds between locations on behalf of the President.
The allegations remain unsubstantiated, with no publicly presented documents establishing that Chivayo held Sh1.5 trillion for Ruto.
There was also no independent evidence presented in the account establishing that the alleged dollar transfers took place as described by Gachagua.
Chivayo had, however, maintained publicly documented links with Ruto before his death.
The businessman had attended engagements involving the President, including a reported private dinner at State House in Nairobi in September.
Reports indicated that the September meeting involved discussions around a proposed Sh25.94 billion infrastructure investment.
Such documented interactions do not independently establish the separate financial allegations made by Gachagua.
Gachagua's remarks were delivered against the backdrop of growing political activity ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has increasingly criticised the Ruto administration since leaving government.
The latest allegations have consequently placed Chivayo's business activities and political connections under renewed scrutiny.
However, the claims about money allegedly belonging to Ruto remain allegations until supporting evidence or findings from an independent investigation are produced.
The businessman was buried in Zimbabwe following his death, while questions surrounding his business affairs have continued to attract public attention.
Neither the reported amount nor Gachagua's account of how the alleged funds were handled has been independently established.
