Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined Kenyans in mourning the passing of retired Kakamega Diocese Bishop Philip Sulumeti, remembering him as a man of faith who served God and humanity.
In a tribute shared on his official X account on Monday, November 10, 2025, Gachagua highlighted the late Bishop’s dedication to his faith and his commitment to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“I join the Catholic Faithful in the Diocese of Kakamega, in Kenya and the entire world in mourning the passing on of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Phillip Sulumeti. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti served God and humanity in great faith following the footsteps of Jesus Christ,” Gachagua wrote.
Gachagua described the late Bishop as a person who lived by the truth and consistently upheld moral and spiritual principles. He extended his deepest sympathies to the Bishop of Kakamega, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi, the clergy, religious leaders, lay faithful, and all people of goodwill.
“May the Soul of Rt. Rev. Bishop Philip Sulumeti rest in eternal peace, and perpetual light shine upon him forever,” Gachagua added.
Bishop Philip Sulumeti passed away on the night of Sunday, November 9, 2025. His death was officially confirmed by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops – Catholic Justice & Peace Department, which expressed heartfelt condolences to the clergy, religious leaders, and faithful across Kenya.
Born in 1939, Bishop Sulumeti was ordained a priest in 1966 for the Diocese of Kisumu. He became the first bishop of the newly established Kakamega Diocese in 1978 and faithfully served in that role for nearly four decades until his retirement in 2014. His life was marked by humility, dedication, and a commitment to the mission of Christ.
The Catholic Church and Kenyans continue to honor his legacy of devoted pastoral service and spiritual leadership.
