The Commandant of Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit within the National Police Service Lazurus Opicho is dead.
His colleagues and friends said he died at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi after an illness.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja mourned him as a dedicated officer.
“May his soul rest in everlasting peace,” he said.
The National Police Service was scheduled to issue a statement over the death which happened on Monday night September 28
As the commandant, he oversaw specialized security operations for vital government infrastructure, key dignitaries, and judicial protection details.
The unit is among almost a dozen under the Administration Police Service (APS). The service has specialized units that enable it deliver its mandate.
His colleagues described him as a dedicated officer who served with honesty.
He once served as the commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit which is responsible for protection of the Judiciary and staff at large.
He in 2024 found himself in trouble after it emerged that he had called the High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s bodyguard and driver to establish his whereabouts. This was in the height of Gen Z protests.
He later apologised to Mugambi for calling his bodyguard.
According to Opicho, the calls were to inquire about the judge’s security, especially after a judicial magistrate was shot dead at the Makadara Law Courts. “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.
The police officer confirmed to the court that he had no other hidden intention apart from ensuring the safety of the judicial officer. Opicho added that being the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, he has strong ties with judicial officers and would not intend to harm them. “I endeavor to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again.”
He was later moved and promoted to be in charge of the SGB and VIP protection unit.
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