The Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit within the Administration Police Service (APS), Lazarus Opicho, has died.
Opicho died at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi on Monday night, September 28, 2026, 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.
The National Police Service was expected to issue an official statement on his death.
As commandant of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, Opicho was responsible for overseeing specialised security operations protecting key government installations, senior government officials and other VIPs, as well as judicial protection details.
The unit is among the specialised formations operating under the Administration Police Service, which has several units established to support the service in carrying out its security mandate.
Opicho previously served as the commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, which is tasked with providing security to the Judiciary, judicial officers and staff.
His tenure at the Judiciary Police Unit came under scrutiny in 2024 during the height of 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 incident occurred shortly after a judicial officer was shot dead at the Makadara Law Courts, prompting heightened security concerns around members of the Judiciary.
Opicho later apologised to Justice Mugambi over the calls, explaining that his intention had been to establish the security situation of the judge.
“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 and explained that, as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, he had developed strong professional ties with judicial officers.
“I endeavor to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again,” he told the court.
Colleagues described Opicho as a committed and experienced police officer who served in various capacities during his career.
