The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has paid tribute to the late Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, describing him as a devoted servant of God whose life was marked by humility, faith, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
In a statement, the bishops said, “We join the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega and the entire Church in Kenya in mourning the passing on of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, who went to be with the Lord last night at Nairobi Hospital. We remember with gratitude his dedicated pastoral service, humility, and commitment to the mission of Christ.”
The conference extended its condolences to Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the clergy, religious men and women, the faithful, and all people of goodwill during this time of grief.
Bishop Sulumeti, who was in his late 80s, was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kakamega. His death was confirmed by Bishop Obanyi in a statement issued on Monday morning.
“I request you to keep him in your prayers, remembering him in the Masses, as we begin making arrangements for his burial, which shall be communicated in due course,” Bishop Obanyi said. “To all the people of God of Kakamega, relatives, and friends, we express our condolences and pledge our prayerful accompaniment during these difficult moments.”
Bishop Sulumeti’s ministry spanned nearly five decades, profoundly influencing the spiritual and social fabric of Western Kenya.
Before his appointment as the first Bishop of Kakamega on February 28, 1978, he had served as an Auxiliary Bishop in Kisumu for two years.
