Tributes have poured in for Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazurus Opicho, who died on Monday night at the Aga Khan hospital while receiving treatment. Opicho was the commandant of the VIP protection unit and Security of Government Buildings under the Administration Police. He was in charge of allocating police officers to guard MPs, senior government officials, and judges until the recent creation of the Judiciary Police Unit.
Chief Justice Martha Koome was among the first to mourn Opicho, describing him as a distinguished police officer who devoted many years of his life to public service and the protection of institutions and people who serve within them. Koome lauded Opicho for his role in creating the Judiciary Police Unit, where he provided a dedicated framework for the security of Judiciary personnel, court users, and judicial premises.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula also mourned Opicho, expressing shock and sadness at his untimely demise. Wetang'ula conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Opicho's family, friends, and the entire National Police Service during this difficult time. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described Opicho as a dedicated and committed senior police officer with a distinguished record of service.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat mourned Opicho, describing him as an exceptional leader and dedicated officer whose service was marked by vision, commitment, and strong values. Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin also paid tribute to Opicho, describing him as a dedicated public servant and colleague whose loss is deeply felt across the National Police Service family.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority chairperson, Duncan Ojwang, said Opicho's death was a huge loss for the country, as he had been entrusted with an enormous responsibility in the security sector. Ojwang conveyed his sympathies to Opicho's family, colleagues, and the National Police Service fraternity.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo also paid tribute to Opicho, saying he understood and lived the calling that the true measure of policing is not the power it commands but the rights it protects, the institutions it strengthens, and the public trust it earns. Odhiambo said Opicho's life reminds us that policing is not an instrument of fear but a solemn covenant to protect the public.
Key stakeholders, including the National Police Service, have come out to pay tribute to Opicho, highlighting his commitment to duty, professionalism, and contribution to strengthening the security architecture of the Judiciary. His death has been described as a great loss to his family, colleagues, and the country, with many calling for calm and offering support to his family during this difficult time.
Key points
- Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazurus Opicho died on Monday night at the Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi.
- Tributes have poured in from various stakeholders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
- Opicho was a dedicated and committed senior police officer with a distinguished record of service, particularly in the VIP protection unit and Security of Government Buildings under the Administration Police.
