APS boss in charge of VIP protection Opicho dies in hospital after illness

Lazurus Opicho, the Commandant of Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit within the National Police Service, has passed away. He succumbed to an illness at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja paid tribute to him, stating, "May his soul rest in everlasting peace." Opicho was responsible for overseeing specialized security operations for vital government infrastructure, key dignitaries, and judicial protection details.

As commandant, he led one of nearly a dozen specialized units within the Administration Police Service. His colleagues described him as a dedicated officer who served with honesty. In 2024, Opicho found himself in trouble when it was discovered he had called the High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi's bodyguard and driver to inquire about the judge's whereabouts during the Gen Z protests.

He later apologized, explaining the calls were to ensure the judge's safety following a judicial magistrate's shooting at Makadara Law Courts. Opicho, as the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, had strong ties with judicial officers and assured no malicious intent existed. He was later promoted to oversee the SGB and VIP protection unit.