Uriri rejects Chivayo's vehicle, cash gifts

Zimbabwean lawyer Advocate Dr Lewis Uriri has declined a vehicle and two cash gifts offered to him and his wife by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, saying accepting the benefits could compromise the perception of his professional independence.

Uriri said the gifts came as a surprise and were linked to professional work he had carried out for Chivayo in the past.

In a statement responding to Chivayo's announcement, Uriri thanked the businessman for his generous words and for recognising his professional work and his wife.

He, however, said he and his wife had carefully considered the offer before deciding to reject the vehicle and both cash gifts.

"For clarity, we last spoke in June 2024, and I have undertaken no professional work for you since then," Uriri said.

"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."

Uriri said Chivayo's announcement had been made without prior notice or discussion, adding that the substantial value of the gifts and their connection to past professional services required him to consider the offer carefully.

He said Zimbabwe's Legal Practitioners' Code of Conduct required lawyers to preserve their integrity, safeguard their professional independence and maintain public confidence in the legal profession.

Uriri also referred to international legal principles, saying the International Bar Association and International Commission of Jurists emphasised the importance of lawyers maintaining independent professional judgment free from conflicting personal interests.

"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.

Uriri said both he and his wife placed importance on preserving their professional standing and public confidence in his independence as a lawyer.

"The independence reflected in your generous tribute is a responsibility I must continue to uphold," he said.

He stressed that the decision was firm and that neither he nor his wife would accept the vehicle or either of the cash gifts.

"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," Uriri said.

He concluded by wishing Chivayo well and expressing hope that the businessman would understand and respect their position.