Lazarus Opicho, the senior Administration Police Service officer who oversees the protection of senior government officials, key State installations and judicial officers, has died.
Opicho, the commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit, died on Monday night, September 28, 2026, at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi after an illness, according to colleagues and friends.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja mourned Opicho, describing him as a dedicated officer who served the National Police Service with commitment and integrity.
Opicho headed one of the specialised formations within the Administration Police Service, responsible for security operations around key government installations, senior government officials and other VIPs, as well as judicial protection details.
Before taking charge of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, Opicho served as commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, which provides security to the Judiciary, judicial officers and staff.
His tenure at the unit came under scrutiny in 2024 during the Gen Z protests after it emerged that he had contacted the bodyguard and driver of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi to establish the judge’s whereabouts.
The calls came shortly after a judicial officer was shot dead at Makadara Law Courts, heightening security concerns around members of the Judiciary.
Opicho later apologised to Justice Mugambi over the calls, explaining that he had sought to establish the judge’s security situation.
“After the Makadara Law Court shooting incident, I found it prudent to personally call the police assigned to the judge for a briefing,” Opicho said at the time.
He maintained that he had no ulterior motive, saying that his experience as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit had enabled him to develop strong professional ties with judicial officers.
“I endeavour to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again,” he told the court.
The incident was one of the more public moments in a career largely spent in specialised police assignments, including roles requiring close coordination with senior State officials and institutions.
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