Zimbabwean Lawyer Rejects $350,000 Gift From Wicknell Chivayo

Professional Ethics and Independence CITED

In a statement issued on Monday, 21 September 2026, Uriri announced that he and his wife had carefully considered Chivayo’s public declaration and decided to decline the vehicle and both cash payments. According to Pindula, Uriri clarified that he last spoke to Chivayo in June 2024 and had undertaken no professional work for him since that time. He emphasized that all historical legal work referenced in Chivayo’s tribute had been performed in his professional capacity and fully paid for at the time. Uriri explained that the unexpected announcement, made without prior notice or discussion, required strict adherence to professional standards. Citing the Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct of Zimbabwe, as well as principles from the International Bar Association and the International Commission of Jurists, Uriri maintained that lawyers must preserve their integrity and remain free from conflicting personal interests.

Chivayo’s Public Tribute and Legal Career Context

Uriri’s rejection followed a lengthy social-media tribute posted by Chivayo earlier on 21 September 2026, in which the businessman celebrated the founder of the Zim Temple Bar chambers as a senior counsel par excellence. Chivayo praised Uriri for representing him across multiple legal battles with courage and commitment, adding that Uriri never allowed pressure or public opinion to distract him from the law. Chivayo also referred to the US$50,000 allocation for Uriri’s wife as a handbag allowance, acknowledging her contributions to legal submissions. The refusal drew support from other members of the legal community. Mpofu noted that Uriri, recognized as one of the country’s most senior active advocates, provided an important defense of legal ethics by declining the gifts.