Politicians, clergy eulogise Bishop Sulumeti as servant of humanity

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Apostolic Nuncio Herbertus Bert Van Megan, Bishop Philip Sulumeti, and PSC Musalia Mudavadi cut a cake celebrating Sulumeti's 50 years as bishop. [Benjamin Sakwa/Standard] Retired Bishop Emeritus Sulumeti of the Kakamega and Vihiga Catholic Diocese, who died on Saturday, was yesterday eulogised as a dedicated servant to humanity and a peacemaker. The long-serving prelate died at Nairobi Hospital on November 9, 2025 aged 88. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta said Sulumeti left a solid legacy of faith, unity, and love that will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him. "Bishop Sulumeti was a devoted servant of God and a pillar of faith whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service, a moral compass and a peacemaker who touched countless lives through his ministry and steadfast dedication to uplifting communities," Uhuru eulogises. Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi said Bishop Sulumeti was a devoted shepherd of faith whose legacy to both God and humanity will be cherished forever. "It is with heavy hearts that I mourn the passing of a devoted shepherd of faith, Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti. His service to both God and humanity is an enduring legacy that we will forever honour and cherish," said Moi. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the cleric was a truthful man who served God and humanity in great faith. "In him was a man of God who spoke the truth and lived by it," said Gachagua Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the late Bishop as a humble shepherd of faith and a steadfast defender of the marginalised. "A towering spiritual leader, Bishop Sulumeti's humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on our Church and our nation," said Kalonzo. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi termed Sulumeti as a voice of reason during Kenya's constitutional review process. "My heartfelt condolences to the Catholic faithful and all Kenyans whose lives he touched since his ordination in 1966." National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said Sulumeti was a towering spiritual leader who dispensed his wisdom to the nation and the faithful. "He tirelessly championed education, social justice and peace, touching countless lives through his selfless service and dedication to the betterment of society," said Wetang'ula Kakamega Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi urged the faithful to keep the late bishop in their prayers. "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 said. Sulumeti's passing marks the end of a remarkable ecclesiastical journey that spanned nearly five decades and shaped the spiritual, educational, 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, Spain later being ordained on August 20 the same year. Four years later, in December 1976, he succeeded Bishop Joannes de Reeper of the Mill Hill Missionaries as Bishop of Kisumu, having served closely with him. On February 28, 1978, Sulumeti was appointed the first Bishop of Kakamega. Bishop Sulumeti firmly believed that education was the foundation for community transformation. Within the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), he served in various leadership capacities. He stood out as a moderating influence in civic and interfaith dialogues. Religious leaders across denominations have often described him as a "peacemaker" who combined deep spirituality with pragmatic leadership. After 49 years of devoted service as bishop, Sulumeti retired on December 5, 2014. His episcopal motto, "Ut Unum Sint", That They May Be One, reflected his lifelong commitment to unity within the Church and the wider society.

Politicians, clergy eulogise Bishop Sulumeti as servant of humanity

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Politicians, clergy eulogise Bishop Sulumeti as servant of humanity

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS