VIP Protection Commandant Lazarus Opicho dies after illness
Lazarus Opicho, the Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit in Kenya, has passed away following an illness. He was a prominent police official known for his oversight of high-level security operations and his previous role in the Judiciary Police Unit.
Why it matters
His death marks a significant leadership change within the Kenyan National Police Service, particularly regarding the security of high-ranking government officials and judicial officers.
VIP Protection Commandant Lazarus Opicho dies after illness 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.
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