Advocate Lewis Uriri Turns Down Wicknell Chivayo’s US$250 000 Range Rover And US$100 000 Cash Gifts
Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri has turned down Wicknell Chivayo’s offer of a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and US$100,000 in cash, saying accepting the gifts could undermine perceptions of his professional independence.
Uriri made the decision public after Chivayo announced that he would give him the luxury vehicle, valued at US$250,000, together with US$50,000 for fuel.
Chivayo had also offered another US$50,000 to Uriri’s wife as a handbag allowance.
Also Read: Wicknell Chivayo Gifts Advocate Lewis Uriri a US$250 000 Range Rover and US$50 000 Cash
Advocate Uriri Explains His Decision
Responding in the comments section, Uriri thanked Chivayo for his praise and for recognising his wife, but said the couple had decided not to accept any of the gifts.
“My wife and I have carefully considered your announcement and must respectfully decline the vehicle and both cash gifts,” Uriri said.
He explained that he had not worked for Chivayo for more than two years, noting that their last conversation took place in June 2024.
According to Uriri, the legal work referenced 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.
Concern Over Perception Of Gifts
Uriri said Chivayo’s announcement came unexpectedly and without any prior discussion between them.
He said the circumstances surrounding the offer, including the value of the gifts and their connection to previous professional services, required him to consider the matter carefully.
“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 said.
Legal Ethics Cited
The senior counsel said his decision was also guided by professional rules governing lawyers.
He referred to Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct, saying it requires legal practitioners to protect their integrity, professional independence and public confidence in the profession.
Uriri also pointed to principles associated with the International Bar Association and writings of the International Commission of Jurists concerning the independence of lawyers’ professional judgment.
He said accepting the gifts could create a perception that he had a personal financial obligation beyond the professional relationship that had already ended.
“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,” he said.
Advocate Uriri Stands By Decision
Uriri said both he and his wife considered their professional standing and independence important enough to decline the offer.
“The independence reflected in your generous tribute is a responsibility I must continue to uphold,” he said.
He stressed that their decision was final and that neither he nor his wife would accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts.
Uriri nevertheless expressed appreciation for Chivayo’s recognition of his past work and said he hoped the decision would be understood and respected.
“We appreciate the generosity expressed and your acknowledgment of my past work. Our decision is nevertheless firm: we will not accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts,” he said.
The post Advocate Lewis Uriri Turns Down Wicknell Chivayo’s US$250 000 Range Rover And US$100 000 Cash Gifts appeared first on iHarare News.
