Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho has died while undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.
Opicho, who served as the Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, died on Monday night following an illness.
His death has prompted mourning within the National Police Service, with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja leading tributes to the senior officer.
Opicho headed a specialised security unit under the Administration Police Service responsible for protecting key government installations, senior officials and judicial officers.
Before taking charge of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, Opicho served as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit.
During his time in the Judiciary Police Unit, he was involved in strengthening security arrangements for judges and other court officials across the country.
His career also brought him into the spotlight during the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations after he contacted the bodyguard and driver of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi to establish the judge’s whereabouts.
The inquiry came amid heightened security concerns following the fatal shooting of a magistrate at the Makadara Law Courts.
Opicho later apologised to Justice Mugambi and explained that his actions were motivated by security concerns and his responsibility to protect judicial officers.
He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General and appointed to lead the VIP Protection Unit, a position he held until his death.
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