Retired Kakamega Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti passes away
By Faith Lagat, November 10, 2025Retired Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega passed away on the night of Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital.
His death was announced on Monday, November 10, by the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, in an official communication addressed to the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and people of goodwill.
“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.
Bishop Obanyi further noted that funeral arrangements are underway and that details will be shared 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.
The announcement prompted messages of sympathy from members of the Church and the wider community, acknowledging the late Bishop’s long service to the diocese and the nation.
Sulumeti’s service
Born in 1939, Bishop Sulumeti was ordained a priest in 1966 for the Diocese of Kisumu. When the Diocese of Kakamega was established in 1978, he was appointed its first bishop, a position he held until his retirement in 2014.
During his nearly four decades of leadership, he oversaw the establishment of parishes, schools, and health institutions, and promoted evangelization, education, and social development across Western Kenya.
Bishop Sulumeti also served in various leadership roles within the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), where he contributed to national-level Church programs and commissions. Known for his humble and pastoral approach, he continued offering spiritual guidance in retirement. His episcopal motto, “Ut Unum Sint” (That They May Be One), reflected his commitment to unity and reconciliation within the Church and society. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Tributes
The Kenya Catholic Church Department for Justice & Peace Agenda in Kenya have joined the Catholic Diocese in an X post on November 10, 2025, expressing condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and all people of goodwill.
“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. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and all people of goodwill during this time of sorrow.”
The post remembered Sulumeti’s dedicated pastoral service, humility, and commitment to the mission of Christ, concluding with prayers for eternal rest.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi also confirmed his death in a Facebook post dated November 10, 2025, mourning the passing of Bishop Emeritus Sulumeti and offering prayers for eternal rest.
Both announcements highlighted his significant role in the diocese and the broader Church in Kenya, emphasising the loss felt by Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the clergy, religious communities, and the faithful.
The statements reflected the Church’s recognition of Sulumeti’s lifelong service and dedication, marking the end of an era of pastoral leadership in Kakamega and the wider Catholic community in Kenya.
