The death of Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti has drawn tributes from leaders and faithful across the country, highlighting his central role in shaping the Catholic Church’s presence in Western Kenya for nearly five decades.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki described the late bishop as a remarkable servant of God who lived a disciplined and devoted life.
Bishop Sulumeti, who founded the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega in 1978, died on Sunday night while undergoing treatment at The Nairobi Hospital, according to The Star. He was 88.
The diocese confirmed that funeral arrangements will be announced once consultations with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops are completed.
Ordained a priest in 1966 and appointed auxiliary bishop of Kisumu in 1972, Sulumeti became the first bishop of the newly created Kakamega Diocese six years later, according to ACI Africa.
During his tenure, he prioritized education, healthcare, and social empowerment, overseeing the establishment of several schools and mission hospitals in the region.
Deputy President Kindiki, in his message of condolence shared on Facebook, noted that Bishop Sulumeti “devoted many years to the service of humanity,” leaving behind a strong legacy that continues to shape the Church’s social mission.
Religious leaders have described him as a symbol of humility and perseverance.
Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, who succeeded Sulumeti, urged Catholics to celebrate his life by continuing the pastoral and community work he began decades ago.
Bishop Sulumeti’s leadership coincided with a period of rapid growth in Kenya’s Catholic population, which now exceeds 10 million according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
Many credit his guidance with helping the Church become a leading provider of education and healthcare in Western Kenya.
Tributes continue to pour in from clerics, political figures, and parishioners who remember him as a man of faith, service, and quiet strength.