KAKAMEGA, Kenya — The Catholic community is mourning the death of Retired Bishop Philip Sulumeti, the founding bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, who passed away on Sunday night, November 9, at the Nairobi Hospital.
He was 88.
In a statement released on Monday, November 10, Bishop Joseph Obanyi, who succeeded him in 2014, confirmed that the respected cleric died while receiving treatment.
“Pilgrims of Hope: together in prayer. This morning it is with sadness that I communicate to you the passing on of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti in Nairobi Hospital last night at 11 pm,” read part of Bishop Obanyi’s statement.
He urged the faithful to keep the late bishop in their prayers, adding that details of the burial arrangements would be announced later.
“To all the people of God of Kakamega, relatives, and friends, we express our condolences and pledge our prayerful accompaniment during these difficult moments. May the soul of His servant Philip Sulumeti rest in peace,” he said.
Bishop Sulumeti, remembered as a humble shepherd and mentor, served the church for nearly five decades, guiding its expansion across western Kenya.
Kakamega Woman Representative Elise Muhanda eulogized him as a selfless leader whose faith and wisdom transformed many lives. “Bishop Philip Sulumeti devoted his life to God and His people. Kakamega’s heart is heavy, yet his wisdom and faith will continue to inspire generations. The good Bishop has rested,” she said in her tribute.
Born on August 15, 1937, in Kobur Village, Busia County, Sulumeti was ordained as a priest in 1966 and later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1972.
He became the pioneer bishop of Kakamega Diocese on February 28, 1978, where he served for 36 years before his retirement in December 2014.
Under his leadership, the diocese established numerous parishes, schools, and healthcare facilities, shaping Kakamega into one of Kenya’s most vibrant Catholic regions.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the country as clergy, political leaders, and the faithful remember Bishop Sulumeti’s lifelong devotion to faith, education, and community service.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega as a devoted servant of God and a pillar of faith whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service. Kenyatta described the
