‘Bribery Or Sinister Intention? Absolute Nonsense’: Wicknell Chivayo Rejects Bribery Claims Over US$350 000 Gift Offer To Advocate Lewis Uriri

Wicknell Chivayo Rejects Bribery Claims Over US$350 000 Gift Offer To Advocate Lewis Uriri

Wicknell Chivayo has defended his decision to offer Advocate Lewis Uriri SC a US$350 000 gift package, saying he had no intention of bribing or influencing the senior lawyer.

Chivayo addressed the controversy in a lengthy post on X after Uriri declined the proposed gifts, which included a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at US$250 000 and US$100 000 in cash for fuel and Uriri’s wife.

Also Read: “There Is No Fight, No Grudge And No Drama”: Wicknell Chivayo On Advocate Lewis Uriri Gift Row

Wicknell Chivayo Says Timing Was Wrong

Chivayo acknowledged that the timing of his offer was unfortunate, saying he was unaware that Uriri was appearing for another party in court proceedings involving interests associated with him.

He said his lack of knowledge was not deliberate because he is a businessman rather than a lawyer and relies on legal professionals to deal with court matters.

“YES, I openly admit that the TIMING was unfortunate. Had I known that Advocate Uriri was presently appearing for another party in proceedings involving interests associated with me, COMMON SENSE dictates that I would never have offered him anything at that particular time. I simply DID NOT KNOW,” Chivayo wrote.

He added that his business commitments across different jurisdictions meant he did not follow court rolls or monitor which advocates were appearing in particular cases.

‘Bribery Or Sinister Intention? Absolute Nonsense’

Chivayo rejected suggestions that the gift was intended to improperly influence Uriri.

He argued that the fact that the offer was made publicly contradicted the idea that it was intended as a secret inducement.

“There was NO secret approach. NO clandestine meeting. NO hidden payment. NO condition attached. I publicly announced a gift, exactly as I have publicly announced countless gifts to different people. Advocate Uriri publicly declined it. END OF STORY,” he said.

Chivayo also said he respected Uriri’s decision to turn down the offer and insisted there were no hard feelings between them.

“BRIBERY OR SINISTER INTENTION? ABSOLUTE NONSENSE.”

Uriri had earlier said that he and his wife had decided not to accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts, citing professional independence and the need to preserve public confidence in the legal profession.

Wicknell Chivayo Says Court Matters Should Remain In Court

Chivayo said he would not use social media to argue cases that are before the courts.

“As for matters presently before the courts, THEY BELONG IN THE COURTS. We respect the judiciary and allow judicial officers to determine matters independently on the evidence and the law. I will not litigate cases on social media, nor will I interfere with matters that are sub judice,” he said.

He maintained that the controversy should not be interpreted as evidence of an improper motive.

“So let nobody deliberately confuse BAD TIMING with BAD INTENTION.

“WRONG TIMING? I ACCEPT THAT WITHOUT HESITATION.

“BRIBERY OR SINISTER INTENTION? ABSOLUTE NONSENSE.”

Chivayo Turns To War Veterans Application

In the same post, Chivayo also commented on an application filed by war veterans, describing it as “HOPELESS” and “FRIVOLOUS and VEXACIOUS” in his view.

He said he respected war veterans and their right to approach the courts, but then launched into a broader political response concerning the law and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure.

He wrote:

“I must also say with utmost due respect to the APPLICANTS who are the WAR VETERANS that we love and respect you and as well you are entitled to be heard by our courts but zvekuti muka pihwa microphone makutanga kuti WICKNELL chino ne chino dzangu dzikazo dambuka mashoka angu ekupindura haapere GARAI MAKAZVIZIVA.”

Chivayo then referred to the law having been passed by Parliament and the Senate before being signed by Mnangagwa.

“A law was passed by the majority in Parliament and the Senate then MUNHUMUTAPA signed it to law…Ko WICKNELL ndiye adii apa ???”

Chivayo Says He Is Moving On

Chivayo concluded his response by saying he had no intention of dwelling on the controversy and had other business matters demanding his attention.

“I have far too much legitimate work demanding my attention to waste my days plotting around court rolls and lawyers. 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…”

He also ended the post with a reference to his travels, saying he was flying over the Swiss Alps aboard a Gulfstream G550 and was connected to high-speed Wi-Fi.

“FYI i am currently flying over the Swiss alps connected on high speed WiFi on Gulfstream G550 just about to have breakfast IWE WOTI E.D ngaasa svika 2030 TIKWANIREI PLEASE…ENOUGH SAID…”