Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has broken his silence after Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri rejected a US$250,000 Range Rover and US$100,000 in cash. Chivayo insists there is “no fight, no grudge and no drama” between them. He revealed that Uriri had previously accepted a Land Rover Discovery 4 worth approximately US$120,000, first-class travel and holidays from him.
Chivayo said he and Uriri had enjoyed a strong professional and personal relationship for several years. In 2024, he bought Uriri a Land Rover Discovery 4 for approximately US$120,000. He also flew Uriri first-class on his birthday, took him and his wife on holiday, and extended other gestures of appreciation. Chivayo said those benefits were given voluntarily because he respected Uriri as his lawyer and appreciated his work.
Uriri, however, says the latest gifts could undermine public confidence in his professional independence and insists his refusal is final. He confirmed that Chivayo’s previous legal briefs had been completed professionally and paid for in full. Uriri cited Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct and international principles requiring lawyers to protect their integrity, independence and professional judgement.
Uriri described the decision by himself and his wife as firm. He said the offer came without any advance discussion and was especially concerning because he had not spoken to Chivayo or undertaken professional work for him since June 2024.
Lawyers have defended Uriri’s refusal, citing professional independence as the central issue. Advocate Thabani Mpofu argued that accepting something previously did not invalidate Uriri’s latest refusal. Former MP and constitutional lawyer Fadzayi Mahere said no self-respecting professional or person wants to be seen as being influenced by gifts.
The rejection has been applauded by some, including war veterans who hailed Uriri as a hero outside the High Court on Tuesday. The reaction followed a hearing on their application for direct access to the Constitutional Court to challenge Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026. Uriri is one of the lawyers representing the applicants in that case.
Some observers have noted that Uriri’s previous involvement in politically sensitive cases may be a factor in the public’s reaction. UK-based lawyer and political commentator Brighton Mutebuka suggested that critics of the government were celebrating Uriri’s rejection of Chivayo’s gifts while potentially overlooking his earlier roles in high-profile cases.
Key points
- Chivayo offered Uriri a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and US$100,000 for his wife.
- Uriri cited Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct in his decision to reject the gifts.
- Lawyers have defended Uriri’s refusal, citing professional independence as the central issue.
