Faith Nyasuguta
Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been accused of smuggling gold using his private jet, with claims implicating Kenyan President William Ruto as a key player in the operation. The allegations, shared by social media personality Jeremiah Musiiwa (Nyokayemabhunu), suggest Chivayo’s aircraft is instrumental in transporting gold from Zimbabwe, while Ruto allegedly acts as a middleman, facilitating sales to the United States.
Musiiwa asserts that Chivayo’s connections with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other influential figures shield the jet from searches and investigations. According to Musiiwa, “The jet is being used to smuggle gold, and the Kenyan President is the middleman selling it to America.” He directly addressed the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe to emphasize the matter’s urgency.
Chivayo, well-known for his extravagant lifestyle and controversial business dealings, is reportedly a close ally and associate of President Mnangagwa, who was exposed in Al Jazeera’s “Gold Mafia” documentary as being linked to gold smuggling. Analysts describe Chivayo as Mnangagwa’s “gold runner,” facilitating the illegal trade.
The accusations place Ruto at the center of a bigger gold smuggling syndicate spanning multiple countries. His alleged involvement has attracted international attention, raising questions about complicity and corruption at the highest levels of government.
Neither Chivayo nor Ruto has issued statements addressing the allegations. Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has not commented, leaving the claims unresolved. Public pressure is mounting for thorough investigations to determine the validity of the accusations and hold any wrongdoers accountable.
This controversy arises amid growing scrutiny of gold smuggling activities in Southern Africa, a region plagued by corruption and illicit trade. The involvement of high-profile figures like Chivayo, Mnangagwa, and Ruto highlights the global dimension of these illegal operations and underscores the need for transparency and accountability.
Calls for immediate investigations are growing louder, as citizens and international stakeholders demand clarity on the allegations. Observers stress the importance of swift action to uphold the rule of law, protect economies, and restore public trust.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the implicated individuals and the systemic challenges enabling such activities. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the broader fight against corruption and the critical need to dismantle networks that perpetuate economic injustice.
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