Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, who headed the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit, has died.
Opicho died on Monday night while receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi following an illness.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja led the National Police Service in mourning the veteran officer, describing him as a dedicated, honest and exemplary public servant whose contribution to the service will be greatly missed.
Opicho was responsible for the protection of key government installations, senior state officials and judicial officers through his leadership of the specialised unit under the Administration Police Service.
Before taking charge of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, Opicho served as the founding commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, which was established in 2021 to provide dedicated security for judicial officers, court staff, court users and Judiciary premises.
Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned Opicho as a distinguished officer who played an important role in strengthening the Judiciary’s security architecture.
In her condolence message, Koome said Opicho helped establish the foundations of the Judiciary Police Unit and contributed to a more coordinated approach to protecting judicial institutions across the country.
Opicho also served during several high-profile national events.
During the 2024 Gen Z protests, he came under public scrutiny after contacting the bodyguard and driver of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi to establish the judge’s whereabouts.
He later apologised to Justice Mugambi, explaining that the inquiries were prompted by security concerns following the fatal shooting of a magistrate at Makadara Law Courts.
Opicho was later promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General and appointed to lead the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, a position he held until his death.
