Fil image of the late Bishop Philip Sulumeti
Retired Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega has died at the age of 88.
According to a statement by Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi, Bishop Sulumeti passed away on Sunday night at 11 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
“It is with sadness that I communicate the passing of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti,” Bishop Obanyi said, extending condolences to the late bishop’s family, friends, and faithful of the Kakamega Diocese. Burial arrangements will be announced later.
Born on August 15, 1937, in Kotur Village, Teso South, Busia County, Sulumeti was ordained a priest on January 6, 1966, by Pope Paul VI in Kisumu. He rose through the church ranks to become Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1972, and later served as Bishop of Kisumu from 1976 to 1978.
He became the founding Bishop of Kakamega Diocese on February 28, 1978, a position he held for 36 years until his retirement on December 5, 2014.
Bishop Sulumeti, who held a Doctorate in Canon Law from St. Peter’s Pontifical College in Rome, was known for his wisdom, humility, and leadership in promoting education and peace within the Church and the nation.
He also played a key role in Kenya’s constitutional review process in 2006, earning respect for his impartial and principled approach to national issues.
The Catholic community across Kenya has paid tribute to Bishop Sulumeti as a pillar of faith and service, who guided generations of priests and believers with dedication and compassion.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
