Lawyer Lewis Uriri rejects Ksh32M Range Rover, Ksh13M cash gifts from Wicknell Chivayo

Prominent lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri has rejected a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and cash gifts offered to him by Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Chivayo announced on Monday, September 21, 2026, that Uriri would receive the luxury vehicle valued at $250,000, approximately Ksh32 million, as a token of appreciation for his legal work over the years.

He also offered $50,000, approximately Ksh6.5 million, for fuel and another $50,000, approximately Ksh6.5 million, to Uriri’s wife as a “handbag allowance”.

Chivayo praised Uriri as a “Lawyer par excellence”, describing him as a brilliant advocate who understood the law and defended his clients wholeheartedly.

He said Uriri had represented him in several legal matters over the years, praising his courage, commitment and professionalism.

Uriri rejects gifts

However, in a surprising turn of events, Uriri responded on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by saying that he and his wife had carefully considered the announcement and had decided to decline the vehicle and both cash gifts.

Uriri said the announcement came as a complete surprise, noting that he and Chivayo last spoke in June 2024.

He further clarified that he had not undertaken any professional work for Chivayo since then and that the historical work referenced in Chivayo’s tribute had been performed in his professional capacity and paid for in full.

“The historical work to which your tribute refers was performed in my professional capacity and paid for in full,” Uriri said.

Why he turned it down

Uriri said the substantial nature of the gifts, their connection to past professional services and the distance that had developed between him and Chivayo required him to approach the gesture with care.

He cited Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct, as well as principles from the International Bar Association and writings by the International Commission of Jurists, which he said emphasise professional integrity, independence and public confidence.

Uriri said accepting the gifts could reasonably create a perception of a personal financial obligation beyond a professional engagement that had already been concluded and fully remunerated.

“My wife and I attach great importance to preserving both our professional standing and public confidence in our independence,” he said.

Uriri maintained that their decision was firm and that they would not accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts.

He thanked Chivayo for recognising his past work and wished him well.

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