The Catholic Church is mourning the death of Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Kakamega Diocese, who passed away on Sunday night at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 88.
In a statement released on Monday, Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi confirmed the news, describing Bishop Sulumeti as a dedicated servant of faith who guided the diocese for decades.
“This morning, it is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti at Nairobi Hospital last night at 11 p.m.,” Bishop Obanyi said. He extended condolences to Sulumeti’s family, friends, and the Catholic community, urging the faithful to keep him in their prayers as burial arrangements are being made.
Born on August 15, 1937, in Kotur village, Teso South, Busia County, Sulumeti was ordained a priest in Kisumu on January 6, 1966. He later rose through the church hierarchy, becoming Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1972 and Titular Bishop of Urci a title associated with a non-functioning diocese at the age of 35.
He was ordained bishop on August 20, 1972, appointed Bishop of Kisumu in 1976, and later took over as Bishop of Kakamega on February 28, 1978, where he served faithfully until his retirement on December 5, 2014.
Bishop Sulumeti is remembered as a pillar of spiritual leadership and education within the church, having played a key role in the growth of Catholic institutions across Western Kenya.
Funeral details will be announced in the coming days.
