Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho died after a short illness, shocking the National Police Service. At the time of his death, Opicho served as Commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from Kenya's judicial leadership. Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed her condolences on behalf of the entire Judiciary to the Inspector General of Police, the National Police Service leadership, and Opicho's family and colleagues.
Chief Justice Martha Koome paid tributes to Opicho, highlighting his role as the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit. Koome described the loss as untimely and expressed personal shock at his passing. She noted that Opicho devoted many years of his life to public service and the protection of Kenya's institutions. Koome conveyed her condolences, saying, "We mourn a distinguished police officer who devoted many years of his life to public service and to the protection of our institutions and the people who serve within them."
Opicho played a crucial role in the Judiciary Police Unit, established in 2021 to provide dedicated security for Judiciary personnel, court users, and judicial premises across Kenya. As the founding Head of the Judiciary Police Unit, Opicho helped build its institutional foundations from the ground up. Koome credited him with shaping a more coordinated and responsive security framework for the Judiciary during his tenure. She added that Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary.
In her message of condolence, Koome described Opicho as a distinguished officer who devoted many years of his life to public service and the protection of Kenya's institutions. Koome noted that the thoughts and prayers of the institution are with Opicho's family, colleagues, and all those who worked alongside him. She prayed that God grant Opicho's family the fortitude to bear the loss and that he rest in eternal peace.
The National Police Service and the Judiciary have lost a significant member with Opicho's passing. His role in providing security for government buildings and VIP protection will be remembered. The police service will likely feel the impact of his loss, particularly in the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, where he served as Commander.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) recently condemned attacks that killed three police officers in Isiolo and Kiambu counties and injured another in Isiolo. While these incidents are unrelated to Opicho's death, they highlight the risks faced by police officers in Kenya. IPOA urged the National Police Service to strengthen officers' safety and adopt evidence-based policing strategies.
Lazarus Opicho's death has left a void in the National Police Service and the Judiciary. His contributions to the security of Kenya's institutions and personnel will be remembered. The Judiciary and the police service will likely take steps to honor his legacy and continue his work in ensuring the safety and security of Kenya's institutions and citizens.
Key points
- Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho died after a short illness.
- Opicho was the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit.
- Chief Justice Martha Koome paid tributes to Opicho, highlighting his role in the Judiciary Police Unit.
