Lawyer Lewis Uriri Rejects KSh32 Million Range Rover and Cash Gifts From Wicknell Chivayo

Image: Zimbabwean entrepreneur and regional investor Sir Wicknell Chivayo paid a distinguished courtesy call on President William Ruto of Kenya.pool

Prominent lawyer Lewis Uriri has declined a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography and cash gifts worth millions of shillings 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 (about KSh32 million) as a gesture of appreciation for his legal services over the years.

He also offered Uriri $50,000 (about KSh6.5 million) for fuel and another $50,000 (about KSh6.5 million) to Uriri’s wife as a “handbag allowance”.

Chivayo praises Uriri

In announcing the gifts, Chivayo described Uriri as a “Lawyer par excellence”, praising him for his knowledge of the law and commitment to defending his clients.

Chivayo said Uriri had represented him in several legal matters over the years, describing the advocate as courageous, committed and professional.

The businessman said the gifts were intended as a token of appreciation for the lawyer’s past work.

Uriri turns down the gifts

However, Uriri has declined the offer.

In a response issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Uriri said he and his wife had carefully considered Chivayo’s announcement before deciding not to accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts.

Uriri said the offer came as a surprise because he and Chivayo had last spoken in June 2024.

He also clarified that he had not undertaken any professional work for Chivayo since then and that the legal services referenced in the businessman’s tribute had already been performed in his professional capacity and fully paid for.

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

Why Uriri declined the offer

Uriri said the substantial value of the gifts, coupled with their connection to previously completed professional services, required him to consider the offer carefully.

He also pointed to the length of time since he had last worked with Chivayo and the importance of maintaining professional independence.

The lawyer cited Zimbabwe’s Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct, as well as principles associated with the International Bar Association and writings by the International Commission of Jurists, which he said emphasise integrity, independence and maintaining public confidence in the legal profession.

Uriri said accepting the gifts could create a perception of a personal financial obligation extending beyond a professional relationship 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 makes decision clear

Uriri maintained that the decision was final and that neither he nor his wife would accept the Range Rover or either of the cash gifts.

He nevertheless thanked Chivayo for recognising his past work and expressed his appreciation for the gesture.