The Catholic Church in Kenya is in mourning following the death of Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti, who passed away on November 9, 2025, in Nairobi at the age of 88.
Born on August 15, 1937, in Kotur, Busia County, Western Kenya, Bishop Sulumeti was ordained as a priest on January 6, 1966, for the Diocese of Kisumu. He took on the role of Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1972, and in 1978, he became the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Kakamega, a position he held until his retirement on December 5, 2014.
Throughout his more than forty years of episcopal service, he was recognized for laying a solid foundation for the Catholic Church in Western Kenya. He was a strong advocate for education and health initiatives, promoted dialogue and social justice, and was honored as “a giant of faith” during his golden jubilee celebration in 2022.
His legacy is marked by the establishment of schools and health centers, the nurturing of clergy and religious life, and significant contributions to Kenya’s overall social development.
