With deep sorrow, yet in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Bishop, priests, religious, family, and the entire Christian faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega announce the passing of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, who went to be with the Lord on 9th November 2025 at 11:00 PM at the Nairobi Hospital.
LIFE AND EPISCOPAL MINISTRY Bishop Sulumeti was appointed bishop on 28th May 1972, and on 20th August 1972, he received his episcopal ordination and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kisumu, where he served until 19th March 1976. On 9th December 1 976, he was appointed the Bishop of Kisumu. He served in this role until 27th February 1978, when the Diocese of Kisumu was split and the Diocese of Kakamega was created. Bishop Sulumeti then became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kakamega, beginning his ministry on 27th February 1978, where he served with extraordinary dedication for over three decades. On 27th April 1987, the Diocese of Bungoma was created from the Diocese of Kakamega, further shaping the ecclesiastical landscape of Western Kenya. On 24th November 2012, the Holy See accepted Bishop Sulumeti’s resignation and requested that he continue serving as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Kakamega until the appointment of his successor. On 5th December 2014, Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe was appointed the Second Bishop of Kakamega, and he was later consecrated on 7th March 2015.
EARLY LIFE: Bishop Philip Sulumeti was born on 15th August 1937 in Kotur, Gara Village, South Teso, Busia County, Western Kenya. He was the beloved son of Marko Ijait Munyana and Agnes Iprong’e Aluku.
SIBLINGS: He was a brother of Cassianus ljaiti Aluku (Rtd Commissioner), Lucia’ Amoit, Rosalia Okode Obonyo, Leminota Atyang, Wilbroda lyese, Judith Amukuje Emayot, Maurice Ikamar, Francis D. lkoki and Romano ljaiti.
IN-LAWS: He was in-law of the families of Rebecca Aluku and Mary Aluku of the Mabachis in Samia. The Obonyos, The Emayotos and The Ekoderes.
NIECES AND NEPHEWS: He was an uncle to many, including: Adv.Ann Aluku, Philip Aluku, Dr. Atwani Carolyne, Irene Aluku, Eucharista Okode, Agnes Aluku, Peter Paul Aluku. Cecilia Aluku, Annie Aluku, Adv. Mark Aluku, Matthew Aluku, Lucia Amoit Aluku, Dr. Nema Aluku, Stacy Aluku, Dr. Mabeya Hillary, Eng. Omula John, Kiverenge Ben, Patrick Ekodere, Anthony Aluku, Lydia Ekodere, Getrude Ekodere, Fr. Alex Okware, Christine Murugi, Jane Amode, Dr.Wesonga Anthony, Dr. Kisala David, James Ekapoloni, Catherine, Maneya, Patrick Obonyo, Titus, Janerose, Carolyne, Nimrod Otaruku, Vincent Okitoi, Melissa, Orphin, Edward, Peninnah, among many others. He was also a grandfather and great-grandfather to many.
Eternal rest grant unto him, 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Bishop Philip Sulumeti rest in peace.Amen.
FUNERAL PROGRAMME Tuesday, 18th November 2025. Home Mass in Honour of the Late Bishop Venue: Bishop Sulumeti’s Family Home, Kipkaren. Parish: Lumakanda Parish. Time: 10:00 AM Thursday, 20th November 2025.
Requiem Mass Venue: St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church, Kakamega Time: 10:00 AM. (The body will be flown from Nairobi to Kisumu, then transported to Kakamega for the Requiem and subsequent vigil Masses at the Cathedral Church, Kakamega).
Friday, 21st November 2025. Burial Mass: Approved School Grounds, Kakamega Time: 10:00 AM. Interment: St Joseph’s Cathedral Church Grounds, Kakamega