Citizen TV journalist Lulu Hassan has shared an emotional tribute following the burial of their friend, Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, a senior Administration Police officer who was laid to rest in Trans Nzoia County on Friday, October 16, 2026.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 17, Lulu reflected on the late officer’s dedication to duty, integrity and humility, mourning the loss of a friend whose professional service and personal qualities left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
The journalist said the burial had provided an opportunity to reflect on Opicho’s life and the commitment with which he served, while acknowledging the pain of losing someone whose contribution extended beyond his professional responsibilities.
“After laying our dear friend to rest, we are reminded of the life of a diligent officer who served with dedication, integrity, humility and commitment to duty. Though the pain of losing such a remarkable person remains, may we find comfort in the legacy of service and the memories left behind. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten,” Lulu wrote.
Her tribute came a day after family members, colleagues, representatives of the disciplined services and other mourners gathered in Trans Nzoia to bid farewell to Opicho, whose career in the Administration Police Service earned him recognition from colleagues and other public institutions.
Administration Police honours Opicho
The Administration Police Service also paid tribute to the late officer following his burial, describing the ceremony as a moment of remembrance and reflection on a life devoted to public service.
In a statement released after the ceremony on Friday, October 16, the service said mourners had gathered to honour Opicho, identified by his full name as Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, SS, HSC, ndc(K), SAIG. The event brought together representatives from the disciplined services, national institutions, county governments and other dignitaries.
The service noted that the gathering reflected the professional relationships Opicho had built throughout his career, as well as the respect he commanded among colleagues and institutions.
“Accompanied by solemn hymns and heartfelt tributes, the burial ceremony became a poignant moment of remembrance, gratitude and reflection on a life devoted to service. As his earthly journey came to an end, those gathered celebrated not only the man he was but also the enduring legacy he leaves behind,” the Administration Police Service stated.
The funeral also attracted delegates from across East Africa, other parts of Africa and beyond, with representatives from the National Government, independent commissions, the Judiciary, Parliament and county governments attending to pay their final respects.
According to the service, the attendance demonstrated the breadth of Opicho’s professional relationships and the regard in which he was held by people who worked with him in different capacities.
The Administration Police Service highlighted Opicho’s distinguished career during the ceremony, with Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli acknowledging his contribution to national security, institutional responsibility and community well-being.
The service said Opicho’s legacy extended beyond the ranks he held, noting that his professional conduct and influence on colleagues and communities were an important part of his contribution.
“Beyond the uniform and the ranks he held, his life stands as a reminder that true leadership is measured not only by the responsibilities entrusted to an individual but also by the positive influence they have on colleagues, families and the communities they serve,” the statement read.
The service, led by Masengeli, also expressed solidarity with Opicho’s bereaved family, thanking the participating agencies, national institutions, county governments, the Church and residents of Trans Nzoia for helping ensure that he received a dignified send-off.
It extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and everyone mourning his death, urging them to draw comfort from the values and memories he left behind.
“As Mr Opicho was laid to rest in his home county, the message of the day remained unmistakable: although death brings an end to an earthly journey, a life devoted to service continues to speak through the memories, values and institutions it leaves behind,” the Administration Police Service added.
