Defender of the marginalised! Kalonzo mourns Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti

Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega/HANDOUT

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has mourned the passing of Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, describing him as a humble and steadfast servant of God.

In a statement, Kalonzo said his heart was with the faithful as they grieved the death of the long-serving bishop, who he hailed as a spiritual pillar and a defender of the marginalised.

“My heart is with the faithful today as we mourn the passing of Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega,” Kalonzo said.

“Bishop Sulumeti was a humble shepherd of faith and a steadfast defender of the marginalised.”

He praised the late bishop’s life of service, saying his humility, wisdom, and faith left a lasting impact on the Church and the country.

“A towering spiritual leader, Bishop Sulumeti's humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on our Church and our nation,” Kalonzo said.

He extended condolences to the bishop’s family, the Catholic Church, and all those who were touched by his ministry.

“May God comfort his family, the Church, and all who were touched by his grace,” he added.

Bishop Sulumeti, who led the Kakamega Diocese for several decades, was widely respected for his dedication to education, peacebuilding, and pastoral service.

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.