Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi says the government will strengthen its collaboration with religious organisations, noting their crucial role in shaping Kenya’s moral and social foundation.
Speaking during the funeral mass of the late Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti in Kakamega, Mudavadi said faith institutions remain key partners in national development.
“It is the intention of this government today and in the future to work closely with all religious groups for the good of our country,” he said.
Mudavadi praised faith-based organisations, particularly the Catholic Church, for their contributions in education, healthcare and community empowerment.
“The Catholic Church alone runs more than 7,700 educational institutions and over 500 health facilities in Kenya. Their impact on communities is enormous,” he said.
He added that Cabinet had approved the establishment of Kenya’s first diplomatic mission to the Vatican, calling it an important step in strengthening relations with the global Catholic community.
Mudavadi described Bishop Sulumeti as a man of deep conviction whose leadership influenced both the Church and the country.
“He was a pillar of integrity and service. His work strengthened the spiritual foundation of this region and inspired many across Kenya,” he said.
He shared a personal example of working with the Bishop to establish the Sabatia Hope Centre in Vihiga County, a health facility built through cooperation between Quakers and Catholics.
“He never saw barriers when it came to serving humanity,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS also recalled Bishop Sulumeti’s role in Kenya’s constitutional reform process.
“He was a strong voice during the constitutional review and consistently reminded leaders to honour the rule of law,” he said.
Mudavadi delivered President William Ruto’s condolence message, in which the President described the late Bishop as “a devoted servant of God and a pillar of faith whose work transformed communities.”
Bishop Sulumeti, who led the Diocese of Kakamega from 1978 to 2014, was laid to rest in the crypt at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Kakamega.
