Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega has passed away while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, the diocese has confirmed.
Announcing the sad news, Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe of Kakamega expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his predecessor and spiritual father to many.
“It is with sadness that I communicate to you the passing on of our beloved Bishop Emeritus,” Bishop Sagwe said in his message to the faithful. “I ask you all to keep him in your prayers and remember him in the Holy Masses.”
He added that preparations were underway to give Bishop Sulumeti a dignified farewell befitting his decades of service to the Church, with burial arrangements to be communicated in due course.
Bishop Sulumeti, who was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega in February 1978, led the diocese for more than three decades before retiring in December 2014.
During his 36 years at the helm, the diocese witnessed remarkable spiritual and institutional growth, with the establishment of new parishes, schools, and health facilities across the region.
Before his transfer to Kakamega, he had served as the Bishop of Kisumu between 1976 and 1978 and earlier as the Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu from 1972 to 1976.
His tenure was marked by a commitment to education, health, and community empowerment. Under his guidance, institutions such as St. Elizabeth Mukumu Hospital, St. Mary’s Mumias Hospital, and several Catholic-sponsored schools were established, leaving a legacy that continues to benefit generations.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described Bishop Sulumeti as “a towering spiritual leader whose humility, wisdom and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on our nation.”
“Bishop Sulumeti was not only a shepherd of the faithful but also a patriot who played a pivotal role in Kenya’s Constitutional Review Commission, where his voice of reason and moral clarity helped shape the democratic ideals we now cherish,”he said.
He praised the late bishop’s lifelong dedication to social justice and education, adding,“We celebrate the life of this great servant of God whose legacy will forever inspire generations.”
In his condolence message, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa mourned Bishop Sulumeti as a visionary leader and mentor who championed both spiritual and community development.
“Bishop Sulumeti was the pioneer Bishop of Kakamega Diocese and a spiritual father to many. We cherish his legacy in the education and health sectors and his role in establishing Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology,” Governor Barasa said.
He also recalled the Bishop’s involvement in Kenya’s constitutional reform process, noting his contribution to peace and dialogue during critical national conversations.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Kakamega, I extend profound condolences to Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the family of Rt. Rev. Sulumeti, clergy, and the Catholic faithful. May God graciously rest his soul in eternal peace,” the governor added.
