Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has admitted that the timing of his $350,000 gift offer to senior lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri was unfortunate. Chivayo offered Uriri a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at $250,000, $50,000 for fuel, and another $50,000 for his wife as a "handbag allowance". Uriri and his wife rejected the entire package, citing concerns that its acceptance could create a perception of financial obligation and undermine public confidence in their professional independence.
Chivayo announced the gift on September 21, praising Uriri as a "lawyer par excellence" who had represented him in several legal disputes. However, Uriri responded that the announcement had been made without consulting him and that he had neither spoken to Chivayo nor undertaken any professional work for him since June 2024. Uriri emphasized that accepting such valuable gifts more than two years after their last engagement could reasonably create a perception of an obligation extending beyond their former professional relationship.
Chivayo has denied attempting to influence Uriri, stating that he was unaware of the advocate's involvement in the court proceedings when he announced the gifts. He argued that he was a businessman rather than a lawyer and did not personally monitor court rolls, pleadings, or the advocates appearing in different cases. Chivayo also pointed to the public nature of his offer as evidence that he had no improper motive.
Uriri is part of a legal team representing war veterans who are challenging constitutional amendments that postponed Zimbabwe's presidential election from 2028 to 2030 and extended President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure. The amendments also lengthened presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and replaced direct presidential elections with selection by Parliament. Critics argue that extending the incumbent's term required approval through a national referendum.
Chivayo has dismissed the veterans' application as "hopeless", "frivolous and vexatious", maintaining that the legislation was passed by Parliament and the Senate before being signed into law by Mnangagwa. He also openly declared his support for Mnangagwa remaining in office beyond 2030, saying he was praying for the 83-year-old leader to stay in power until 2037.
Older footage circulated after the rejection reportedly showed Uriri accepting a Land Rover Discovery valued at about $110,000 from Chivayo in late 2023 or early 2024. Chivayo said he respected Uriri's decision and bore no grudge against him, stating that the timing of the gift was unfortunate but denying any bribery or sinister intention.
The incident has sparked debate about the influence of wealthy individuals in Zimbabwe's politics and the importance of maintaining the independence of the legal profession. Chivayo's actions have been criticized by some, who argue that they could undermine public trust in the country's institutions. The case is ongoing, with the Constitutional Court yet to rule on the war veterans' challenge to the presidential vote changes.
Key points
- Chivayo offered $350,000 to lawyer Lewis Uriri, who rejected the gift due to concerns about perceived obligation and undermining public confidence in their professional independence.
- The gift was offered publicly, with Chivayo praising Uriri as a "lawyer par excellence" who had represented him in several legal disputes.
- Uriri is part of a legal team challenging constitutional amendments that extended President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule to 2030.
