Senior Police Officer Lazarus Opicho Dies After Brief Illness
The Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit within the Administration Police Service (APS), Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, has died.
Reports indicate that Opicho died at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi on Monday night, September 28, 2026, after a brief illness.
Kanja Leads Tributes
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja led tributes to the veteran officer, describing him as a dedicated, honest and exemplary servant whose contribution to the police service would be deeply missed.
Chief Justice Koome Mourns
Chief Justice Martha Koome also mourned Opicho, praising his contribution to strengthening security within the Judiciary during his tenure as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit.
“I have received with profound shock and sadness the news of the passing of SAIG Lazarus Opicho, who, until his demise, served as the Commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit,” Koome said.
“On behalf of the Judiciary, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the leadership and entire fraternity of the National Police Service, his family, friends and colleagues on this untimely loss,” she added.
A Distinguished Career
During his tenure at the helm of the service, Opicho played a key role in the history of the Judiciary Police Unit after he was picked to lead its formation in 2021.
Opicho also served in several other senior roles, including serving as a Police Superintendent at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2009, where he was in charge of security and investigations.
In August 2024, he moved to the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, where he became commandant during a reshuffle of senior Administration Police officers.
As commandant of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, Opicho oversaw the protection of key government buildings, senior government officials, VIPs and other people under police protection.
Rise Through the Ranks
Opicho continued to rise through the police ranks and was promoted from Assistant Inspector General to Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police in 2025.
Despite the promotion, he retained his position as head of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit and held the Head of State Commendation (HSC) and National Defence College qualification (NDC (K)).
A Legacy of Service
Opicho’s death marks the loss of one of the most senior officers in the Administration Police Service, a man who spent decades serving in various capacities within the National Police Service. His contributions to security, particularly in the protection of government buildings and VIPs, will be remembered by colleagues and the institutions he served.