Kakamega, Monday, November 10, 2025 — The Catholic Church in Kenya is mourning the death of one of its most respected leaders, Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, who passed away at Nairobi Hospital on Sunday night.
In an official statement, Kakamega Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe confirmed that the long-serving Bishop died at 11 p.m. on November 9, 2025. He described the late prelate as a pillar of faith and unity in the Church.
“Pilgrims of Hope; together in prayer. It is with sadness that the Church communicates to you the passing of one of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti in Nairobi Hospital last night at 11 p.m.” read the statement by Bishop Obanyi.
The Bishop urged the faithful to remember the late Sulumeti in their prayers and masses as the Church begins making burial arrangements.
Early Life and Rise in the Catholic Church
Born on August 15, 1937, in Kotur village, Teso South, Busia County, Bishop Sulumeti began his spiritual journey early in life. He was ordained a priest in Kisumu on January 6, 1966.
Six years later, in 1972, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu and became Titular Bishop of URCI at the age of 35. On August 20 of the same year, he was ordained as bishop, marking the start of a remarkable clerical journey.
In August 1976, he succeeded Bishop Joannes de-Reeper of the Mill Hill Missionaries, whom he had served under closely. Two years later, on February 28, 1978, he was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega — a position he held with distinction for decades.
A Legacy of Education and Community Development
Bishop Sulumeti championed the growth of Catholic institutions and schools across Western Kenya. He believed that education was the foundation of community development and worked with leaders to improve access to quality learning for both boys and girls.
His leadership led to the establishment of numerous Catholic-sponsored schools, which greatly improved academic performance in the region. According to Nation Africa, many of the schools he helped establish remain among the top-performing institutions in Western Kenya.
Beyond education, Bishop Sulumeti supported agricultural programs and self-help initiatives that empowered local farmers and families. He also advocated for peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
In interviews published by The Standard, church leaders described him as a calm and humble man whose wisdom shaped the moral fabric of society. His contributions to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) were widely recognized, especially in education and peacebuilding efforts.
As reported by BBC Africa, Bishop Sulumeti was among the few Kenyan clerics who actively participated in dialogues promoting national unity and civic responsibility during politically tense periods.
A Lifetime of Service
His service to the Church spanned over five decades, touching countless lives. Even after retirement, Bishop Sulumeti remained a moral compass for the faithful in Kakamega and beyond.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary ecclesiastical journey that shaped the Catholic Church in Western Kenya. Funeral details will be announced by the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega in due course.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
