Police Leadership Mourns SAIG Lazarus Opicho as Chief Justice Koome Hails His Judiciary Security Legacy

Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome has mourned the death of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG) Lazarus Opicho, describing him as a distinguished police officer who dedicated many years to public service and the protection of Kenya’s institutions. 

Opicho, who served as the Commander of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit, died on Monday night, September 28, 2026, while receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, according to reports. 

In a condolence message, Koome extended her sympathies 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.

She said the Judiciary had lost an officer who played an important role in strengthening security around judicial institutions and personnel.

“Mr. Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary,” Koome said.

Opicho was the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit, which was established in 2021 to provide a dedicated security framework for Judiciary personnel, court users and judicial premises across the country.

Koome said that, having been entrusted with leading the newly established unit, Opicho helped lay its institutional foundations and contributed to developing a more coordinated approach to addressing the security needs of the Judiciary.

She said he would be remembered for his commitment to duty, professionalism and contribution to strengthening the security architecture of the Judiciary.

The veteran officer later served as Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, where he was responsible for security operations involving key government installations, senior government officials and VIPs. He was promoted from Assistant Inspector General to Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police in 2025 while retaining his command. 

His death has also triggered tributes within the National Police Service, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja leading messages of condolence and describing Opicho as a dedicated and exemplary public servant. 

Koome said Opicho's years of service had left a lasting contribution to the institutions he served.

“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.

The Chief Justice added that his life was dedicated to serving the country and its people and prayed that his family would receive strength and comfort as they come to terms with his death.

“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,” Koome said.

Opicho's death comes after a long career in the police service, during which he held several senior responsibilities, including security and investigations duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before taking up leadership of the SGB and VIP Protection Unit. 

His tenure also placed him at the centre of efforts to build the Judiciary Police Unit into a specialised security structure serving courts and judicial officers across the country.

The Judiciary has joined the National Police Service, Opicho's colleagues, family and friends in mourning the senior officer whose career spanned several years of public service.