**Zimbabwe Businessman Wicknell Chivayo Under Scrutiny After Large Money Transfers Through South African Accounts**
*Johannesburg, South Africa* – A financial intelligence report has identified a flow of more than R800 million (approximately US$43 million) from a South African printing firm to companies linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The findings have revived interest in Chivayo’s connections with Kenya’s President William Ruto.
The report, obtained by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) of South Africa and cited by local media outlet ZimLive, examined transactions involving Johannesburg‑based Ren‑Form CC. Ren‑Form supplied election‑related printing materials for Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections. According to the FIC analysis, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Development transferred roughly R1.167 billion into two Ren‑Form bank accounts. Subsequent transfers moved more than R800 million into businesses controlled by Chivayo, specifically Intratrek Holdings and Dolintel Trading Enterprise.
The rapid movement of funds from a government payment to entities associated with Chivayo prompted the FIC to flag the transactions for further investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any legal breaches have occurred.
The financial trail has drawn additional attention in Kenya, where Chivayo has publicly highlighted his relationship with President Ruto. In early 2024, Chivayo attended an engagement celebration for Ruto’s daughter and posted on social media that the Kenyan president personally drove him to a private helicopter, with Chivayo seated in the front passenger seat and his wife behind. Chivayo described the relationship as “personal and based on faith, respect and mentorship” and denied using it to secure tenders, favors, or other benefits.
Photographs circulating online show Chivayo alongside President Ruto at venues that appear to be official events, underscoring the businessman’s proximity to senior political figures in both Kenya and Zimbabwe. Chivayo is also known to have close ties with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
No formal charges have been filed against Chivayo, and the South African FIC has not indicated any immediate enforcement action. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected as authorities continue to review the money trail.
Article source: kenya-today.com | Image credit: Kenya Today
