Zanu-PF’s Overzealous Activist Calls on ZACC to Probe Advocate Uriri’s Wealth After Chivayo Gift Snub

By Staff Reporter

A high-profile ethical decision in Zimbabwe’s legal fraternity has taken an unexpected political turn after a Zanu-PF Youth League member publicly called on the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate senior counsel Advocate Lewis Uriri—for turning down a gift package valued at approximately US$350,000 from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The activist, identifying himself as Cde Walle, posted a detailed statement on social media demanding that anti-graft authorities scrutinize Uriri’s financial standing, private investments, and business interests. The rejected offer reportedly comprised a luxury US$250,000 Range Rover Sport accompanied by additional benefits estimated at US$100,000.

In his public statement, Cde Walle repeatedly questioned why any individual would decline a windfall of that magnitude, arguing that the sheer size of the offered package warranted state scrutiny. He urged ZACC to examine Uriri’s economic affairs to establish the rationale behind turning down the lucrative gesture.

However, the activist acknowledged in the same post that declining a gift does not constitute a crime under Zimbabwean law, making no formal allegations of illicit activity or legal wrongdoing against the advocate.

The controversy stems from Uriri’s decision to reject Chivayo’s offer strictly on ethical and professional grounds. Legal analysts and senior members of the bar noted that accepting substantial financial assets from high-profile business figures carries significant professional risks, creating potential conflicts of interest or perceived threats to a lawyer’s independence.

Chivayo, a flamboyant businessman who regularly hands out high-end vehicles and cash packages to public figures, influencers, and political allies, has drawn intense public commentary over the source and scale of his distributions. Uriri’s refusal stands out as a rare, high-profile rejection of the businessman’s public patronage.

The incident has triggered fierce public debate over professional standards, financial transparency, and the ethics of public gifting in Zimbabwe. While legal commentators have defended Uriri’s adherence to professional codes of conduct, political activists continue to push for state oversight.

Despite the public demands raised by Cde Walle, no official investigation has been opened by ZACC, and the assertions contained in the social media post remain unproven allegations unsupported by independent evidence.