DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi
Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, who died on Monday night, September 28, 2026, at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi after an illness, has been remembered as a dedicated and experienced police officer whose career spanned several decades and senior security assignments.
Opicho was, until his death, the Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit under the Administration Police Service.
The unit is a sensitive command responsible for the protection of key government installations, senior government officials, VIPs and other persons placed under police protection.
He had risen to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police after previously serving as an Assistant Inspector General of police.
The Administration Police Service confirmed his promotion to SAIG in 2025 while he retained command of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit.
His professional qualifications include the National Defence College programme where he earned the National Defense College,NDC(K) qualification.
He also held the Head of State Commendation (HSC), while police records identify him with the professional designation SS, alongside HSC and ndc(K).
Opicho’s rise through the Administration Police Service saw him serve in a number of important security and command positions.
As early as 2009, he was serving as a Police Superintendent at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for security and investigations.
His career later brought him into the specialised security formations of the Administration Police Service.
One of his most significant assignments came in 2021 when he was selected to establish and command the newly created Judiciary Police Unit.
He became its pioneer commandant, tasked with helping build a dedicated security framework for judges, judicial officers, staff, court users and court premises across the country.
Chief Justice Martha Koome later described him as occupying a “special place” in the institutional history of the Judiciary because of the role he played in establishing the unit and strengthening its security architecture.
In August 2024, Opicho was moved to the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit and appointed its commandant.
His appointment placed him in charge of one of the Administration Police Service’s specialised security formations.
His career was not without difficult moments.
In 2024, following the fatal shooting of a judicial officer at Makadara Law Courts during the period of Gen Z protests, Opicho contacted the bodyguard and driver of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi to establish the judge’s whereabouts and security situation.
The matter subsequently came before the High Court.
Opicho explained that his action was motivated by security concerns and later apologised to Justice Mugambi, saying he had intended to obtain a briefing on the judge’s safety.
He stated at the time: “I endeavor to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again.”
Away from controversy, Opicho remained involved in senior Administration Police leadership and management activities.
In 2025, while serving as commandant of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit, he spoke about the importance of improving financial knowledge among police officers, particularly younger officers.
He observed that many officers concentrated on savings through Sacco societies and banks and argued that they needed greater exposure to other investment options and financial information before retirement.
His final years in the service were marked by continued senior leadership.
In 2026, he was still actively involved in Administration Police management and training initiatives, including activities at the Kenya School of Government involving senior AP officers.
News of his death on Tuesday triggered tributes from across the National Police Service, Judiciary and political leadership.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja described Opicho as an honest, dedicated and exemplary public servant whose contribution to the police service would be greatly missed.
Chief Justice Martha Koome described his death as a profound loss to the Judiciary and the National Police Service, saying he had devoted many years of his life to public service and the protection of institutions and the people working in them.
She particularly honoured his contribution as the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit and said he would be remembered for his commitment to duty, professionalism and contribution to strengthening the Judiciary’s security system.
Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka gave one of the most personal tributes, describing Opicho as a dedicated professional, great friend and confidant.
Wamboka recalled that during a difficult period when his life was allegedly in danger amid impeachment proceedings against the then Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Opicho personally intervened to ensure his safety.
He said he would remember the late commander for his courage, professionalism and friendship.
Other colleagues and community members remembered him as a dedicated public servant, an experienced security officer and a friend to many.
National Police Service representatives expressed condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider police fraternity, while members of the Kitale and Kiminini communities also mourned his passing.
For a police officer who rose through the ranks to become a Senior Assistant Inspector General and commander of one of the country’s most sensitive security formations, Opicho leaves behind a career defined by service in government security, foreign affairs, judicial protection, VIP protection and senior police leadership.
His role in establishing the Judiciary Police Unit in particular is likely to remain one of the most enduring parts of his professional legacy.
Daily News Kenya-International joins other Kenyana and the police fraternity in mourning the death of Afande Opicho.
Want to be featured, or know a personality who deserves recognition?
📞 WhatsApp: +254 703 633820 / +254 754 168624
✉️ Email: dailynewskenya0@gmail.com
SUPPORT CITIZEN JOURNALISM
Help us keep independent, community-focused journalism alive.
Paybill: 222111
Account No.: 3179512
Your support helps us report, inform and amplify stories from communities that matter.
Thank you for supporting citizen journalism.
🗓️ [Daily News Kenya-International@September 30,2026]
