Lazarus Opicho, head of VIP Protection Unit, dies in Nairobi

Lazarus Opicho, the Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police and Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit, has died. Opicho passed away at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi on Monday night, September 28, following a brief illness.

Opicho held several high-level positions within the Administration Police Service (APS), including serving as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit. In that role, he was responsible for the protection of the Judiciary and its staff. He also previously served as a Police Superintendent at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Chief Justice Martha Koome both issued tributes to the veteran officer. Kanja described him as a dedicated and honest servant, while Koome expressed profound shock at his passing, noting his significant contributions to judicial security.