Catholics Mourn the Death of Veteran Kakamega Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti
The Catholic community in Kenya is deeply mourning the death of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, a respected and long-serving cleric who led the Kakamega Diocese for many years.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) confirmed that Bishop Sulumeti passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
In their statement, the bishops described him as a humble servant of God who devoted his life to spreading the gospel and guiding the faithful.
“We join the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega and the entire Church in Kenya in mourning the passing of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, who went to be with the Lord last night at Nairobi Hospital,” read part of the statement from KCCB. “We remain thankful for his tireless pastoral service, his humility, and his strong dedication to the mission of Christ.”
The bishops extended their heartfelt condolences to Kakamega Bishop Joseph Obanyi, the clergy, religious leaders, the faithful, and all people of goodwill who are mourning this great loss.
They described Bishop Sulumeti as a man of peace and compassion who left behind a lasting legacy in the Catholic Church and beyond.
Bishop Sulumeti, who was in his late 80s at the time of his death, made history as the first Bishop of the Kakamega Diocese. His leadership helped strengthen the church’s foundation in Western Kenya, where he served faithfully for decades.
In a statement issued early Monday morning, Bishop Obanyi confirmed that Bishop Sulumeti passed away on Sunday night at around 11 p.m. He called on the faithful to remember the late bishop in their prayers and masses as the Church prepares for his burial.
“I ask all faithful to keep him in their prayers, remembering him during masses, as we start making arrangements for his burial, which will be communicated in due time,” said Bishop Obanyi. “To all the people of God in Kakamega, relatives, and friends, we extend our condolences and assure you of our prayerful support during this painful time.”
At the age of 88, Bishop Sulumeti’s journey in the priesthood spanned close to five decades. He played a significant role in shaping both the spiritual and social life of the people in Western Kenya.
Before being appointed as the first Bishop of Kakamega, Bishop Sulumeti served as the Bishop of Kisumu for two years. His appointment as Kakamega’s first bishop on February 28, 1978, marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in the region.
Throughout his service, Bishop Sulumeti was admired for his wisdom, humility, and strong sense of leadership. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of many who looked up to him as a spiritual father and mentor.
The Catholic faithful across Kenya continue to pay tribute to his life and ministry, remembering him as a man who lived his faith with dedication and inspired countless people to walk closer with God.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
