Chief Justice Martha Koome has mourned Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, highlighting his key role in establishing the Judiciary Police Unit.
Opicho, who served as the Commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, died on Monday, September 28.
In her condolence message, Koome described Opicho as a distinguished police officer who dedicated many years to serving the country.
She said Opicho holds a special place in the history of the Judiciary after serving as the founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit.
The unit was established in 2021 to provide dedicated security for Judiciary staff, court users and judicial premises across the country.
“Mr. Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary,” Koome said.
The Chief Justice said Opicho helped lay the foundations of the newly established unit and contributed to developing a coordinated approach to the security of the Judiciary.
“We shall remember him for his commitment to duty, his professionalism and the contribution he made to strengthening the security architecture of the Judiciary,” she added.
Opicho later served as the commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, where he was responsible for the protection of senior government officials and key government installations.
He was promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police in 2025 while retaining his command of the unit.
Koome extended her condolences to Opicho’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider National Police Service.
“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.
She described his life as one dedicated to public service and the protection of institutions and the people who serve in them.
“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.
