Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, who headed the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit within the Administration Police Service, has died.
Opicho passed away on Monday night, September 28, 2026, while receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi following a brief illness.
His death has drawn tributes from senior leaders within the National Police Service and the Judiciary, who described him as a committed and experienced officer whose service left a significant mark on the security sector.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja mourned Opicho as a dedicated, honest and exemplary officer, noting that his contribution to the police service would be greatly missed.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also expressed her condolences, highlighting Opicho’s role in strengthening security within the Judiciary. Opicho was the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, having been selected to oversee its establishment in 2021.
Koome conveyed her sympathies to Opicho’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider National Police Service following his death.
Throughout his career, Opicho held several senior positions. In 2009, he served as a Police Superintendent at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for security and investigations.
He later joined the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit in August 2024, taking over as commandant following a reshuffle of senior Administration Police officers.
In his most recent role, Opicho was responsible for overseeing security at key government installations as well as the protection of senior government officials, VIPs and other individuals under police protection.
His death marks the loss of a senior police officer who served in several critical security roles during his career.
