Retired Catholic Diocese of Kakamega Bishop Philip Sulumeti has passed on at the age of 88.
In a statement on Monday, November 10, Kakama Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi announced that Bishop Sulumeti passed away on Sunday at 11 PM while receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
“Pilgrims of Hope: together in prayer. This morning is with sadness to communicate to you the passing on of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti in Nairobi Hospital last night at 11 pm,” read the statement in part.
Bishop Obanyi urged the faithful to keep the late Bishop Sulumeti in their prayers and remember him during masses.
Further, Bishop Obanyi said the diocese will communicate on the burial arrangements of the late Bishop Sulumeti.
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“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.
“To all the people of God of Kakamega, relatives and friends, we express our condolences and pledge our prayerful accompaniment during these difficult moments. May the soul of His servant Philip Sulumeti rest in peace,” he added.
Kakamega Women Representative Elise Muhanda has eulogized the late Bishop Sulumeti as a servant who devoted his life to God and his people.
“Bishop Philip Sulumeti devoted his life to God and His people. Kakamega’s hearts are heavy, yet his wisdom and faith will continue to inspire generations. The good Bishop has rested,” she stated.
The late Bishop Sulumeti was born on 15 August 1937 in Kobur village in Busia. He was ordained as a priest on January 6, 1966, and served in the Diocese of Kisumu until May 28, 1972, when he was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu and as Titular Bishop of Urci.
Bishop Sulumeti was then appointed as the pioneer bishop of Kakamega on February 28, 1978, and served in that capacity until December 5, 2014, when he retired.
The late Bishop Sulumeti was replaced by Bishop Obanyi in the Diocese of Kakamega.
