Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has broken his silence following the very public rejection of his KSh45 million gift package by lawyer Lewis Uriri, insisting there is “no grudge and no drama” between the two men.
Chivayo posted a lengthy statement on Facebook on Tuesday, September 22, from London, where he acknowledged the widespread debate the saga had sparked across social media platforms.
Rather than fire back at his longtime associate, the businessman chose to set the record straight with what he described as context, not a confrontation.
What gifts did Lewis Uriri turn down?
The package Chivayo announced publicly included a brand-new 2026 Range Rover Sport Autobiography valued at roughly KSh32.25 million, approximately KSh6.45 million in cash described as fuel money, and a further KSh6.45 million set aside for Uriri’s wife, who is also a senior legal practitioner.
The announcement was made on social media before Uriri and his wife had been privately consulted, which Uriri later cited as part of the reason the gesture caught him off guard.
Uriri confirmed that the two had not spoken since June 2024 and that any legal work he had previously carried out for Chivayo had already been fully compensated.
Citing the Zimbabwe Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct, the International Bar Association, and principles from the International Commission of Jurists, Uriri said accepting the gifts would compromise his professional independence and the integrity of the legal profession.
How did Chivayo react to Uriri’s rejection?
In his response, Chivayo pointed to a long history of generous gestures towards Uriri. He revealed that in 2024, he had allegedly purchased Uriri a Land Rover Discovery 4 for approximately KSh 15.5 million from Brighton, Panjab in Zimbabwe.
He also claimed he had flown the lawyer first-class on his birthday and taken him and his wife on holiday on multiple occasions, all of it done willingly and without strings attached.
“Everything was always done voluntarily, from my heart because I respected him as my lawyer, valued him as my brother and genuinely appreciated the exceptional work he has done for me,” he said.
Chivayo said he had no issue with Uriri deciding not to accept further gifts from him.
“If today he has decided that he is no longer comfortable accepting anything further from me, I equally respect that decision and harbour no hard feelings whatsoever. No grudge and no drama… life goes on,” he concluded.
Chivayo also jokingly mentioned a video of a man reacting to the story that had him laughing, adding that the fellow “definitely deserves an AQUA,” referencing his well-known habit of rewarding people who amuse him online.
See the post below:
Fans weigh in
Followers responded warmly to his measured tone.
Nelson Makwavarara wrote:
“Sir Wicknell, you have spoken like a true big man! You have shown maturity… No hard feelings. No grudge. No drama. That is class!”
Ndlovu Makube added:
“Advocate Uriri has shown integrity. You have shown generosity, and now you have shown respect for his integrity. Not every no is a fight.”
Francis Shurugwi joked:
“Maybe I am the one on the next list of blessings.”
Enee Nyasha suggested:
“Since you worked well together in 2024 and gave them gifts privately, maybe that’s what they wanted this time as well, to receive the gifts in a more private way.”
Chennell Mars simply wrote:
“Awww, when Grace locates you.”
