Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti Dead

Long-serving Catholic BishopBishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo Sulumeti, one of Kenya’s most respected Catholic leaders has passed away. The Catholic Diocese of Kakamega announced that the long-serving prelate passed away in Nairobi Hospital on November 9, 2025 at 11 pm. Confirming the news, Kakamega Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi urged the faithful to keep the late bishop in their prayers as arrangements for his burial begin. “I request you to keep him in prayers, remembering him in the masses, as we begin making arrangements for his burial, which shall be communicated in due course,” Bishop Obanyi stated. “To all the people of God of Kakamega, relatives and friends, we express our condolences and pledge our prayerful accompaniment during these difficult moments.” Sulumeti’s passing marks the end of a remarkable ecclesiastical journey that spanned nearly five decades and shaped the spiritual and social landscape of Western Kenya. Born on August 15, 1937, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kisumu on January 6, 1966. His rise in church leadership began in 1972 when he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu and Titular Bishop of Urci. He was ordained on August 20 that same year. Four years later, in December 1976, he became Bishop of Kisumu, succeeding Bishop Joannes de Reeper of the Mill Hill Missionaries, with whom he had served closely. On February 28, 1978, he was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega, a role he embraced with energy and deep pastoral commitment. Sulumeti retired on December 5, 2014, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, development, and unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church. Funeral details are expected to be announced by the Diocese of Kakamega.