Lawyer Lewis Uriri rejects US$350,000 in gifts from Wicknell Chivayo

Advocate Lewis Uriri has declined luxury gifts totaling US$350,000 offered by Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The offer included a 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at US$250,000, US$50,000 in cash for fuel, and an additional US$50,000 intended for Uriri’s wife.

Uriri, who represents war veterans in a legal challenge against Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Act of 2026 (CAA3), stated that accepting the gifts could create a perception of personal financial obligation regarding past professional services. He noted that all previous work performed for Chivayo had been fully remunerated and that he has not undertaken any professional work for the businessman since June 2024.

The refusal comes as the legal battle over CAA3 approaches the Constitutional Court. Uriri emphasized that professional standards require lawyers to maintain integrity, independence, and public confidence in the legal profession.