The Diocese of Kakamega has announced the passing of Bishop Philip Sulumeti.
In a statement on November 10, the diocese called on the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and the wider community to keep the late bishop in their prayers and to remember him in Masses.
Additionally, plans for his burial are underway and will be communicated in due course.
Bishop Sulumeti died at Nairobi Hospital on the night of November 9, at 11:00 pm.
The diocese extended its condolences to the people of Kakamega, their relatives, and friends, pledging prayerful support during this difficult time.
“May the soul of His servant, Philip Sulumeti, rest in peace,” the statement read.
Life of the Late Kakamega Bishop Philip Sulumeti
Bishop Philip Sulumeti, the Bishop Emeritus of Kakamega, Kenya, has passed away at the age of 88.
Born on August 15, 1937, Sulumeti was ordained a priest for Kisumu on January 6, 1966.
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu and Titular Bishop of Urci on 28 May 1972, before being ordained bishop later that year on 20 August.
He became Bishop of Kisumu in December 1976 and was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega on February 28, 1978.
Sulumeti retired from his duties in Kakamega on 5 December 2014, leaving behind a legacy of service spanning nearly five decades in the Catholic Church.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Dies at 80
Bishop Philip Sulumeti Walk of Faith
During the marking of his Episcopal Golden Jubilee, the late Bishop Philip Sulumeti was hailed as a “giant of faith” and celebrated for his decades of devoted service to the Church.
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia praised him, saying Bishop Sulumeti “completely fulfilled what was needed for the children of Israel when they celebrated the jubilee year.”
Also Read: Former Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat is Dead
Service to People
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia also highlighted Sulumeti’s dedication to spreading the Gospel across Western Kenya.
“Today we celebrate a man who walked from Nyanza to the end of Western preaching the Gospel, teaching the people to fulfill the first instruction of what is to be done in the Jubilee year, to acknowledge the presence of God in the life of a human being and it’s He who enables human beings to rejoice in all good, that is given to us by God’s grace,” he said.
While serving as Bishop, Archbishop Muhatia noted that Bishop Sulumeti addressed the second aspect of the Jubilee year, which calls for the restoration of economic and social justice and equality in society, “by constructing learning institutions, health facilities and social amenities.”
He added that Sulumeti recognized the transformative power of education, ensuring that boys and girls were freed from any form of social or economic bondage.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
