Chivayo's ex-wife to co-manage late tycoon's estate with his sister

Sonja Madzikanda and Esther Chivayo have agreed to jointly administer the estate of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter crash, while a large divorce claim remains unresolved.

What happened

Sonja Louise Madzikanda, Chivayo's former wife, and his sister, Esther Chivayo, have agreed to jointly manage his estate. The agreement was signed in Harare on 3 November 2026 and submitted to the Master of the High Court, and both women's lawyers confirmed that their clients would work together [1]. Madzikanda's lawyers told the Master that the co-executors are Ms Sonja Louise Madzikanda and Ms Esther Chivayo [1]. The arrangement is meant to give a common approach to the assets while protecting the interests of Chivayo's two young children [1].

Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, died in a helicopter crash on 30 September 2026 [1][2]. Sources differ on the details. One says three other people also died [2], and another places the crash near Marondera [3].

Why Kenyans are searching for it

The sources do not say why searches for this name have risen. They do show that the co-executorship and an unresolved US$25 million divorce claim have drawn coverage, and that the estate's accounting has renewed scrutiny of Chivayo's Kenyan business links [3].

Key facts

• Madzikanda's claim, according to High Court papers filed in early 2024, sought a US$25 million lump sum, US$40,000 a month in spousal maintenance, US$1 million a year for holidays and entertainment, and full custody of the two minor children [2].
• Chivayo's lawyers dismissed the claim as frivolous. According to [3], Madzikanda argued the couple entered a valid customary union in 2017.
• The status of the claim at his death is described differently. One source says it was still pending before the Supreme Court in Zimbabwe [2]. Another says the court had not ruled [3].
• The value of the estate is disputed. Chivayo publicly placed it above US$100 million [3]. Another source says it is understood to run into the tens of millions, and officials at the Master's office declined to discuss its contents [3].
• In Kenya, reports linked IMC Construction Kenya, which is described as wholly owned by Chivayo, to a Chinese-led consortium seeking the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with initial figures near 375 billion shillings [3]. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir rejected the claims, saying neither Chivayo nor IMC Construction Kenya had submitted a bid. The government later signed a design-and-build contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation at about 154.2 billion shillings [3].
• The Consumers Federation of Kenya took the matter to the High Court, questioning transparency and beneficial ownership [3]. The source extract cuts off before the details of that case.

What to watch

Key points include whether the Master of the High Court accepts the co-executor arrangement, and when an inventory of the estate's assets and claims can begin. The Supreme Court matter has been suspended while the estate is sorted [3]. Also watch the High Court case brought by the Consumers Federation of Kenya over the airport contract [3].

Sources

1. [1] Chivayo’s ex-wife strikes deal with his sister to manage late tycoon’s estate - Daily Nation
2. [2] Billions at stake: Amount Chivayo's ex-wife sought before chopper crash - Tuko News
3. [3] Chivayo Family Scrutinizes His Business Links In Kenya As They Trace Wealth - Kenya Insights

Compiled by the NairobiCity trend desk from the sources above.