VIP Protection Unit Commandant Lazarus Opicho Dies

Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, the Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit, has died.

Opicho died on Monday night, September 28, while undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi following an illness.

His death was met with messages of condolence from leaders who worked with him during his career in the National Police Service (NPS).

Chief Justice Martha Koome mourned Opicho, describing his death as a loss to the Judiciary, the police service and the country.

"I have received with profound shock and sadness the news of the passing of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG) Lazarus Opicho, who, until his demise, served as the Commander of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit," she wrote.

Koome extended her condolences to Opicho's family, colleagues and the wider National Police Service, noting his years of public service.

"On behalf of the Judiciary, and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Inspector General of Police, the leadership and entire fraternity of the National Police Service, his family, friends and colleagues on this untimely loss. 

"We mourn a distinguished police officer who devoted many years of his life to public service and to the protection of our institutions and the people who serve within them," she added.

Koome also highlighted Opicho's contribution to the establishment and development of the Judiciary Police Unit.

"Mr. Opicho occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary. He served as the founding Head of the Judiciary Police Unit, established in 2021 to provide a dedicated framework for the security of Judiciary personnel, court users and judicial premises across the country. 

"Entrusted with the responsibility of leading a newly established unit, he helped lay its institutional foundations and contributed to the development of a more coordinated and responsive approach to the security needs of the Judiciary," she further said.

Koome said Opicho would be remembered for his dedication to his responsibilities and his role in strengthening security within 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 noted.

Koome further sent her condolences to those who knew and worked with the late police commander.

"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. May they find strength and comfort in the knowledge that his was a life dedicated to the service of his country and its people," she concluded.

Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami also mourned Opicho, recalling their friendship and the assistance the police commander offered him during a difficult period.

"It is with profound sadness that I mourn the passing of Lazarus Opicho, Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and the VIP Protection Unit. Opicho was a dedicated professional, a great friend and confidant," he wrote.

Wamboka said Opicho personally intervened to ensure his safety when his life was at risk during the impeachment proceedings against the then Agriculture Cabinet Secretary.

"During a difficult period when my life was in danger amid the impeachment proceedings against the then Agriculture CS, he personally came through and ensured my safety. I will forever remember his courage, professionalism and friendship," he added.

Wamboka described Opicho's death as a loss to his family, the National Police Service and the wider country.

"His untimely departure is a great loss to his family, the National Police Service, the people of Sirende, Kiminini and Kenya at large. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he further said.

Elsewhere, Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) Commissioner John Kioli Kalua died after suffering a sudden asthma attack. 

In a statement on Monday, September 28, his family said Kioli was going about his usual activities in Nairobi CBD when he suffered the attack.  

His brother, Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, said Kioli sought assistance from people who were nearby as efforts were made to get him an inhaler.

However, efforts to revive Kioli did not bear fruit, with medical personnel who arrived to attend to him unable to save his life.

Green said the family was left devastated by his sudden death and appealed to Kenyans to support them through prayers.

"Today he woke up very comfortable, doing his business, his usual business. John was asthmatic, and it was a situation that was very well managed all through. As he was going on with his business, he had an attack, and he called the people who were nearest to try and save him by getting him an inhaler.

"By the time they could come back, he was gone. The family humbly requests the country to pray with us," he told the press.

Kioli was the Executive Director of the Green Africa Foundation and also served as the chairperson of the Kenya Climate Change Working Group.

The Nairobi Rivers Commission, where Kioli served as a commissioner, confirmed his death and mourned his passing.

The commission said Kioli’s death was sudden and unexpected, while sending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the sad news of the sudden and unexpected passing of our colleague, Commissioner John Kioli. 

"Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers, especially at this very difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace," the Commission said.