By Advent Shoko
HARARE – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has broken his silence after prominent lawyer Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri rejected a gift package worth US$350,000, saying he respects the decision and has no hard feelings towards his former lawyer.
Chivayo’s response came amid widespread debate on social media following Uriri’s decision to decline a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at US$250,000, together with US$50,000 for fuel and another US$50,000 for his wife.
Rather than challenge the rejection, Chivayo used his latest statement to explain the history of his relationship with Uriri, revealing that he had previously made several substantial gestures towards the lawyer.
“I have seen the DIFFERENT OPINIONS and comments circulating across various platforms regarding Advocate Lewis Uriri and my recent gesture. Let me respectfully put a few things ON RECORD, not to argue with anybody, but simply to provide context.”
Chivayo reveals previous gifts
Chivayo said he and Uriri had enjoyed a close relationship for several years, both professionally and personally.
He said that in 2024, he bought Uriri a Land Rover Discovery 4 for approximately US$120,000 through Brighton, Panjab.
He also claimed to have flown Uriri first-class for his birthday and taken the lawyer and his wife on holiday, among other gestures.
“Everything was always done voluntarily, FROM MY HEART, because I respected him as my lawyer, valued him as my brother and genuinely appreciated the exceptional work he has done for me.”
Chivayo’s account, however, frames those earlier gestures as voluntary expressions of appreciation rather than obligations connected to legal work.
Uriri says latest gift was different
Uriri and his wife had rejected the latest offer, saying the substantial gifts could create a perception of financial obligation beyond a concluded professional relationship.
Uriri said he and Chivayo last spoke in June 2024 and that he had undertaken no professional work for the businessman since then.
“The historical work to which your tribute refers was performed in my professional capacity and paid for in full,” Uriri said.
He said professional standards required him to protect his independence and public confidence in the legal profession.
Uriri therefore declined both the vehicle and the two cash gifts, saying the decision was final.
‘I respect that decision’
Chivayo said he was grateful that Uriri had accepted his gestures in the past but would equally respect his current position.
“If today he has decided that he is no longer comfortable accepting anything further from me, I equally RESPECT THAT DECISION and harbour no hard feelings whatsoever at all.”
He added that he would give Uriri reasonable time, but if the decision remained final, he would simply move on.
“The queue of people who genuinely need assistance and would gladly receive it is endless.”
The businessman also sought to shut down speculation that the rejection had triggered a personal fallout.
“His response was received with GREAT THANKS AND RESPECT. I still respect Advocate Uriri, I still appreciate everything he has done for me, and as far as I am concerned, THERE IS NO FIGHT, NO GRUDGE AND NO DRAMA.”
‘Life goes on’
Chivayo said he had no interest in engaging in public arguments over the issue, portraying the gift as an expression of appreciation rather than something that required acceptance.
“Everything I do, I do WITH LOVE. Whether somebody accepts or declines, the message of appreciation has already been delivered.”
The businessman concluded by saying the two could respect each other’s choices and move forward.
“We respect each other’s choices, wish each other well and LIFE GOES ON.”
Chivayo also pushed back strongly against suggestions that the proposed gift was intended to bribe, influence or improperly induce Uriri, saying the timing was unfortunate because he was unaware that the lawyer was appearing for another party in proceedings involving interests associated with him. He said his business commitments meant he relied on lawyers to keep track of court proceedings and legal appearances, rather than monitoring court rolls himself. Chivayo argued that the public nature of the offer also contradicted any suggestion of a secret inducement.
“WRONG TIMING? I ACCEPT THAT WITHOUT HESITATION. BRIBERY OR SINISTER INTENTION? ABSOLUTE NONSENSE.”
He said Uriri had exercised his professional judgment by declining the gift and that he respected the decision, while insisting that any matters before the courts should be left to the judiciary.
“Let the lawyers argue their cases, let the courts make their decisions, and let those manufacturing conspiracy theories continue entertaining themselves. I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE.”
Chivayo also responded to the war veterans involved in a separate court application, saying they were entitled to approach the courts but warning that he would respond if he felt personally targeted. He maintained that the relevant law had been passed by Parliament and the Senate before being signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and questioned what role he personally had in that process.
“A law was passed by the majority in Parliament and the Senate then MUNHUMUTAPA signed it to law… Ko WICKNELL ndiye adii apa?”
The episode has nevertheless generated wider discussion around the relationship between lawyers and wealthy clients, particularly when large personal gifts are offered in connection with past professional services. Uriri’s rejection has also attracted public commentary from other lawyers, including Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who defended his decision.
For Chivayo, however, the message is straightforward: Uriri said no, he respects the no, and there is no public feud.
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