Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo was all smiles this past weekend after getting the kind of treatment that most people only dream about. The accomplished entrepreneur found himself being driven by none other than President William Ruto himself, who personally took him to a helipad at his home in Kilgoris.
The moment was so special that Chivayo couldn't resist capturing it on video, and his excitement was genuine and infectious throughout the journey.
Chivayo had travelled to Kenya over the weekend to attend one of the most important events in his family's calendar - the Koito ak Chaik traditional engagement and farewell ceremony for his daughter Charlene.
The ceremony was held at the prestigious Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, and it turned out to be quite the star-studded affair. The event brought together members of both families alongside senior political figures, close friends, and other prominent guests who came to celebrate this significant milestone in Charlene's journey towards marriage to Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaiah Yunke.
During the drive to the helipad, Chivayo couldn't contain his amazement at the honour being bestowed upon him. "I am being driven by the President of Kenya," he said excitedly, his voice reflecting the magnitude of the moment. But he wasn't done yet.
In a show of humility and gratitude, he added with a laugh, "Being driven by the President of the Republic. Ah no no. God is the greatest." Inside the vehicle, President Ruto could be heard laughing as Chivayo recorded this light-hearted moment, capturing what appeared to be a genuine and warm relationship between the two men.
The Koito ceremony itself is a fundamental part of the Kalenjin marriage tradition, serving as an essential stage in the marriage process. It brings together the families of both the bride and groom for traditional rites, meaningful exchanges, and blessings that pave the way for marriage.
For Chivayo, participating in this high-profile ceremony was described as an absolute honour and privilege, and he later took to social media to express his gratitude for being part of such a significant event.
The engagement ceremony attracted an impressive list of high-profile attendees, further underscoring the prominence of the occasion. Among those reported to have graced the event were Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale, who handles the Health portfolio, Eric Mugaa from Water, Kipchumba Murkomen from Interior, and Geoffrey Ruku from Public Service.
The presence of these senior government officials at a private family ceremony speaks volumes about the connections that Chivayo has cultivated in Kenya's corridors of power.
Chivayo used the occasion to commend President Ruto publicly, describing him as a "leader par excellence" while also acknowledging the administration's efforts in driving economic development, infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and agricultural advancement across the country.
These weren't just polite words - they seemed to come from a place of genuine appreciation for what he views as positive developments in the region.
The Zimbabwean businessman's latest encounter with President Ruto adds to an already growing pattern of meetings between the two men. Chivayo has repeatedly met Ruto at State House and has been consistently warm and public in his praise of their interactions.
However, his frequent access to the President has not gone unnoticed by the Kenyan media landscape. Some news outlets have taken to referring to him with a cheeky nickname - the President's "new Zimbabwean BFF" - a testament to how often the two have been seen together recently.
Behind the scenes, Chivayo is the founder of Intratrek Zimbabwe, a company that has positioned itself at the forefront of renewable energy development.
The firm is actively involved in solar and hydroelectric power projects, which aligns well with Kenya's own push towards sustainable energy solutions.
This shared interest in development and infrastructure between Chivayo and the Kenyan government appears to have created common ground for their growing professional relationship.
The Kilgoris encounter, however, offered a more informal and personal glimpse into their relationship. With Ruto taking the wheel himself and driving Chivayo to the helipad while being recorded, the moment revealed a side of their connection that goes beyond formal state functions and official meetings. It was a moment of levity, warmth, and genuine human connection - the kind that tends to stick with people and create lasting impressions.
As Chivayo heads back to Zimbabwe, he does so having celebrated a major family milestone surrounded by Kenya's political elite, and with a story that he'll likely be sharing for years to come.
For President Ruto, the gesture demonstrated a willingness to engage with international business leaders and perhaps signal Kenya's openness to partnerships and investments from the region.
Whether this friendship continues to flourish remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - this weekend's events have certainly given Kenyans and Zimbabweans alike plenty to talk about.
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