Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
Senior Zimbabwean lawyer Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri has declined a gift package worth US$350,000 offered to him by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, saying accepting the gifts could create a perception that his professional independence had been compromised.
Chivayo publicly announced the gifts after praising Uriri for his past legal work. The package included a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at US$250,000, US$50,000 in cash for fuel and another US$50,000 for Uriri’s wife.
Uriri responded publicly, thanking Chivayo for his recognition but making it clear that he and his wife would not accept the gifts.
“My wife and I have carefully considered your announcement and must respectfully decline the vehicle and both cash gifts,” Uriri said.
He clarified that his professional relationship with Chivayo had ended some time ago.
“For clarity, we last spoke in June 2024, and I have undertaken no professional work for you since then,” he said.
Uriri added that the legal work referred to in Chivayo’s tribute had been carried out in his professional capacity and had already been fully paid for.
“The historical work to which your tribute refers was performed in my professional capacity and paid for in full. My remuneration was for services actually rendered,” he said.
He said the announcement came unexpectedly and required careful consideration because of the value of the gifts and their connection to his previous professional services.
“Your announcement came as a complete surprise, without prior notice or discussion,” Uriri said.
“Given the distance that has developed between us since our last conversation, the substantial nature of the gifts, and their express connection to past professional services, I must approach this gesture with particular care.”
Uriri cited professional standards governing lawyers, saying their independence and integrity must be protected.
“Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct requires us to preserve our integrity, safeguard our professional independence and maintain public confidence in the profession,” he said.
He also referred to principles associated with the International Bar Association and the International Commission of Jurists, which he said emphasise the importance of independent professional judgment.
“A lawyer’s professional judgment must remain independent and free from conflicting personal interests,” Uriri said.
Explaining his decision, he said accepting the gifts could create the perception that he had incurred a personal financial obligation to Chivayo beyond their concluded professional relationship.
“I consider it necessary to decline benefits that could reasonably create a perception of personal financial obligation extending beyond a concluded and fully remunerated professional engagement,” he said.
Uriri said maintaining public confidence in the legal profession was more important than accepting the gifts.
“My wife and I attach great importance to preserving both our professional standing and public confidence in our independence,” he said.
He also acknowledged Chivayo’s praise, saying it reinforced the responsibility he felt to maintain his independence.
“The independence reflected in your generous tribute is a responsibility I must continue to uphold,” Uriri said.
He concluded by making clear that the decision was final.
“Our decision is nevertheless firm: we will not accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts,” he said.
The development comes amid a series of high-value gifts publicly announced by Chivayo to prominent Zimbabweans. Uriri’s decision places the focus on professional independence and the potential perception created when substantial personal gifts are offered in connection with past professional services.
