Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined the Catholic faithful in mourning the death of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, who passed away on the night of Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital.

Gachagua conveyed his condolences in a message shared on X on Monday, November 10, 2025, reflecting on the late bishop’s life of service.

“I join the Catholic Faithful in the Diocese of Kakamega, in Kenya and the entire world in mourning the passing on of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Phillip Sulumeti,” he wrote.

Announcement and condolences

The Diocese of Kakamega announced Bishop Sulumeti’s death through a statement issued by the current Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe.

“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 p.m. I request you to keep him in prayers, remembering him in the Masses,” Bishop Obanyi stated.

He noted that funeral arrangements are underway and will be communicated once finalised. “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.

A life of pastoral service

In his tribute, Gachagua highlighted the bishop’s dedication to faith and leadership. “Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti served God and humanity in great faith following the footsteps of Jesus Christ. In him, was a man of God who spoke the truth and lived by it,” he stated.

Born in 1939, Sulumeti was ordained a priest in 1966 for the Diocese of Kisumu. When the Diocese of Kakamega was established in 1978, he became its first bishop, a role he held until his retirement in 2014.

During his tenure, he oversaw the establishment of parishes, schools, and health institutions, and promoted evangelisation, education, and social development across Western Kenya. His episcopal motto, “Ut Unum Sint” (That They May Be One), reflected his commitment to unity and reconciliation.

Tributes from church leadership

Gachagua extended his sympathies to the Church and the wider community. “I pass my deepest sympathies to the Bishop of Kakamega Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, the Clergy, the Religious and the Lay Faithful and the people of good will,” he said.

The Kenya Catholic Church Department for Justice & Peace Agenda also paid tribute in an X post, acknowledging his pastoral service, humility, and dedication to Christ’s mission.

The Archdiocese of Nairobi confirmed his passing on Facebook and offered prayers for eternal rest. Gachagua concluded, “May the Soul of Rt. Rev. Bishop Philip Sulumeti, Rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him forever.”