By Tendai Keith Guvamombe

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Harare — Following a public statement by prominent Harare advocate Lewis Uriri distancing himself from any recent gift from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, the latter has taken to social media to respond, revealing a detailed history of the significant financial support and high-value items he has extended to the lawyer over many years.

​Chivhayo’s statement, posted on his Facebook page, aimed not to escalate conflict but to “provide context” to the “different opinions and comments circulating across various platforms.” He emphasized that he and Uriri have maintained a “very good relationship for many years, both professionally and personally,” characterizing his past actions as gestures of voluntary appreciation from the heart.

​Crucially, Chivhayo’s post explicitly detailed several substantial gifts and gestures he claims Advocate Uriri has accepted in the past, directly contrasting any implication that such a practice is new or uncharacteristic of their relationship.

​The “Land Rover Discovery 4” and Other Favours

​Chivhayo revealed that in 2024, he purchased a Land Rover Discovery 4 for Advocate Uriri, which he valued at approximately US$120,000. The businessman stated the vehicle was acquired through “Brighton, Panjab.” This particular model is known for its price and status, signifying the magnitude of Chivhayo’s self-described “appreciation.”

​Beyond the vehicle, Chivhayo detailed multiple other acts of largesse, including:

• ​First-Class Travel on Uriri’s Birthday: He claims to have paid for Uriri to fly first-class for his birthday celebrations.
• ​Holidays for Uriri and His Wife: Chivhayo stated that he has funded holidays for Uriri and his wife.
• ​Other Recurring Gestures: He referred generally to “many other occasions” where he “gladly extended gestures of appreciation.”

​Chivhayo’s description of these previous benefits suggests a long-standing pattern of high-value gifts and luxury treatment, making it clear that the recent gift in question was part of a consistent dynamic rather than an isolated incident. He described everything as having been done “voluntarily, FROM MY HEART,” driven by respect for Uriri’s legal work and value for him as a “brother.”

​Respecting Uriri’s Change of Heart

​Addressing Advocate Uriri’s decision to decline the current gift, Chivhayo maintained a stance of respectful acceptance. He stated he is “grateful that he graciously accepted my appreciation in the past” and similarly “RESPECT[S] THAT DECISION” if Uriri is now uncomfortable accepting further gifts.

​He explicitly clarified there is “absolutely NO PROBLEM” and that he harbours “no hard feelings whatsoever.” Chivhayo said he would allow reasonable time for Uriri to reconsider, and if the decision remains final, he will simply “MOVE ON,” adding that “the queue of people who genuinely need assistance and would gladly receive it is endless.”

​He reiterated a positive and respectful outlook, claiming to be “far too comfortable, happy and blessed to carry any petty grudges, engage in petty fights or exchange unnecessary words with anyone.” Chivhayo concluded by reaffirming his respect and appreciation for Advocate Uriri, stating that, from his perspective, “THERE IS NO FIGHT, NO GRUDGE AND NO DRAMA.”

​This recent revelation by Chivhayo confirms that Advocate Lewis Uriri has, on multiple occasions, accepted significant material benefits and high-value gifts from the businessman, painting a clearer picture of their past relationship despite current developments.