The body of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (SAIG) Lazarus Simiyu Opicho has been airlifted to Kitale aboard a Kenya Air Force aircraft as preparations for his burial continue.
His casket, covered with the Administration Police flag, arrived at the airport in a grey Mercedes-Benz hearse.
Senior police officers escorted the casket before it was transferred onto a military wheeled carrier and loaded onto the aircraft for the flight to Kitale.
The ceremony reflected the respect the National Police Service had for one of its senior commanders.
Opicho will be buried on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at his family home in Wehoya Village, Sirende Location, Trans Nzoia County.
He died on Monday night, September 28, 2026, at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi following a short illness.
On Monday, October 12, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli joined officers, relatives and friends at Friends Church Quarters in Lang’ata, Nairobi, for Opicho’s requiem mass.
The service brought mourners together to celebrate his life, leadership and years of service to the country.
After the church service, the funeral procession proceeded to the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, where officers gathered to pay their final respects to the late commander, who had led the unit and mentored colleagues throughout his career.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja described Opicho as a dedicated officer who served the National Police Service with integrity and commitment.
Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat also praised him as an exceptional leader whose career reflected vision, professionalism and strong values.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen remembered him as a committed senior officer with a distinguished record of service to the country.
Colleagues described Opicho as a firm yet humble leader who valued teamwork, discipline and responsibility.
Throughout his career, he played a role in national security, particularly in protecting people and institutions central to government operations and the administration of justice.
As his body returns to Kitale, family members, friends and fellow officers continue to celebrate his legacy of service and dedication.
His burial on Thursday will bring together mourners to bid farewell to a senior police officer who devoted years of his life to protecting the country.