Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG), the late Lazarus Opicho. / HANDOUTChief Justice Martha Koome has mourned the death of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG) Lazarus Opicho, describing him as a distinguished officer who devoted many years to public service.
In a message of condolence following Opicho’s death, Koome said she had received the news with “profound shock and sadness”.
She extended her condolences to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the leadership and entire fraternity of the National Police Service, as well as Opicho’s family, friends and colleagues.
“We mourn a distinguished police officer who devoted many years of his life to public service and to the protection of our institutions and the people who serve within them,” Koome said.
Opicho, who served as the Commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, died at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi on Monday night, September 28, 2026, after an illness, according to colleagues and friends.
Koome highlighted Opicho’s contribution to the Judiciary, where he served as the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit after its establishment in 2021.
The unit was created to provide a dedicated framework for the security of Judiciary personnel, court users and judicial premises across the country.
Koome said Opicho was entrusted with leading the newly established unit and helped lay its institutional foundations.
She added that he contributed to developing a more coordinated and responsive approach to the security needs of the Judiciary.
“Mr Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary,” Koome said.
The Chief Justice said Opicho would be remembered for his commitment to duty, professionalism and contribution to strengthening the security architecture of the Judiciary.
She also recalled his role in protecting judicial officers and staff during his time at the Judiciary Police Unit.
Opicho later became commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit within the Administration Police Service.
The unit oversees specialised security operations protecting key government installations, senior government officials and other VIPs, as well as judicial protection details.
Inspector General Kanja also mourned Opicho, describing him as a dedicated officer who served the National Police Service with commitment and integrity.
The National Police Service was expected to issue an official statement on his death.
In her condolence message, Koome said the Judiciary was standing with Opicho’s family, colleagues and others who knew and worked with him.
“At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him,” she said.
Koome said Opicho’s life was dedicated to serving his country and its people.
“May the Almighty God grant his family the fortitude to bear this profound loss and may the soul of SAIG Lazarus Opicho rest in eternal peace,” she said.
