Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, died on Monday night at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. He was undergoing treatment for an illness. Opicho's death prompted messages of condolence from the National Police Service and the Judiciary. His role involved safeguarding vital national infrastructure, key dignitaries, and judicial officers.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja led the police service in mourning Opicho, describing him as a dedicated, honest, and exemplary servant. Opicho's leadership will be deeply missed within the National Police Service. He previously served as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, established in 2021 to provide security for Judiciary personnel, court users, and judicial premises.
Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome extended condolences to Opicho's family, friends, and colleagues. She noted that Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary. As the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit, he helped establish its institutional foundations and contributed to a more coordinated approach to the Judiciary's security needs.
Koome described Opicho as a distinguished police officer who devoted many years to public service and protecting institutions and people. She remembered him for his commitment to duty, professionalism, and contributions to strengthening the Judiciary's security architecture. Opicho's career included a notable incident during the 2024 Gen Z protests, when he inquired about the whereabouts of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
The inquiries attracted legal and public scrutiny, but Opicho later offered a formal apology to Justice Mugambi. He explained that his actions were driven by security concerns after the fatal shooting of a magistrate at Makadara Law Courts. Opicho maintained that his intention was to ensure the judge's safety, citing his long-standing ties to the Judiciary.
Following the incident, Opicho was promoted to Senior Assistant Inspector General and appointed to lead the VIP protection unit, a position he held until his death. Koome extended condolences to Opicho's family, friends, colleagues, the Inspector General of Police, and the entire National Police Service. She expressed her thoughts and prayers for those who knew and worked with him.
The National Police Service and the Judiciary continue to mourn the loss of Opicho, a veteran officer with a dedicated career in public service. His legacy in the police service and the Judiciary will be remembered for years to come. The Aga Khan Hospital, where Opicho passed away, has not released further details about his illness.
Key points
- Senior Assistant Inspector General Lazarus Opicho died on Monday night at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
- Opicho was a dedicated and honest police officer who served in various roles, including commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit.
- Chief Justice Martha Koome extended condolences to Opicho's family and colleagues, highlighting his contributions to the Judiciary's security architecture.
