Breaking: Uriri Declines Chivayo’s US$250,000 Vehicle and US$50,000 Cash Gifts

HARARE — Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri has declined a luxury vehicle and cash gifts offered to him by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, saying accepting the benefits could compromise the perception of his professional independence.**

Uriri made the decision known in a letter addressed to Chivayo following the businessman’s public announcement of the gifts.

Chivayo had announced that he would give Uriri a vehicle reportedly valued at **US$250,000**, together with **US$50,000 in cash**, in recognition of his past professional work.

However, Uriri said he and his wife had carefully considered the gesture before deciding to reject both the vehicle and the money.

The lawyer said the announcement came as a surprise and that he had not undertaken any professional work for Chivayo since their last conversation in June 2024.

“For clarity, we last spoke in June 2024, and I have undertaken no professional work for you since then,” Uriri said.

He stressed that the historical work referenced in Chivayo’s tribute had been carried out in his professional capacity and had already been fully paid for.

“My remuneration was for services actually rendered,” he said.

Uriri said the substantial value of the proposed gifts, coupled with their connection to previously completed professional services, required him to approach the offer carefully.

He cited professional ethical obligations requiring lawyers to protect their independence and maintain public confidence in the legal profession.

“Applying those standards to these circumstances, 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,” Uriri said.

He added that he and his wife placed significant importance on protecting his professional standing and maintaining confidence in his independence.

“The independence reflected in your generous tribute is a responsibility I must continue to uphold,” he said.

Uriri thanked Chivayo for recognising his previous work but made it clear that his 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 after Chivayo publicly praised Uriri's professional contribution and announced the substantial gifts as a gesture of appreciation.