One of the most respected leaders in the Catholic Church, Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti has passed on.

In a statement, Kakamega Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, confirmed that the long-serving bishop passed away in Nairobi Hospital on November 9, 2025 at 11pm.

“Pilgrims of Hope, together in prayer. It is with sadness that the church communicates to you the passing on of one of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti in Nairobi Hospital last night at 11pm,” read the statement by Bishop Obanyi.

Bishop Obanyi asked the faithful to keep the late prelate in their prayers, remembering him in masses, as the church begins making arrangements for his burial.

Born on August 15, 1937, in Kotur village, Teso South, Busia County, Sulumeti was ordained a priest in Kisumu on January 6, 1966.

He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu in 1972 and became Titular Bishop of URCI at the age of 35. On August 20, same year, he was ordained and in August 1976, he became Bishop of Kisumu, succeeding Bishop Joannes de-Reeper of the Mill Hill Missionaries under whom he had served closely.

He was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega on February 28, 1978. Bishop Sulumeti championed the growth of the Catholic Church and Catholic-sponsored schools, leading to great transformation.

He believed that education was the foundation of the community and worked closely with local leaders and education stakeholders to expand learning facilities for both boys and girls, a move that helped raise academic standards in the region.

Beyond education, Bishop Sulumeti also encouraged agricultural initiatives and self-help groups, to spur the socio-economic development of the local people. His calm demeanour earned him lots of respect and he was a respected voice in peace, human dignity, cohesion and civic conservations.

The passing on of Bishop Emeritus Rt Rev Philip Sulumeti, marks the end of a remarkable ecclesiastical journey that has spanned decades. The Catholic Church will announce funeral details in due course.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By George Kaiga