Nairobi, 14 November, 2025 / 8:36 PM
Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) have paid tribute to Bishop Philip Sulumeti, the founding Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, praising him as a faithful servant of the Church and a key advocate for constitutional reforms in Kenya.
Bishop Sulumeti passed on at the age of 88 on Sunday, November 9, at 11 p.m. while receiving treatment at The Nairobi Hospital.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, November 13, KCCB members described the late Bishop Sulumeti as “a champion in the journey of the Kenya Constitution (2010) making,” noting his deep commitment to both the Church and the nation.
“We, as Bishops, mourn our elder brother Emeritus Bishop Philip Sulumeti, who has served the Catholic Church faithfully, with over 50 years as a Bishop,” they said at the press briefing at Roussel House of Donum Dei Missionary Sisters in Karen in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN).
Expressing their spiritual closeness with the people of God in Kakamega Diocese at the passing on of their founding Bishop, KCCB members said, “We pray for his soul and ask that God may reward his generous life and service with eternal happiness. May his soul rest in eternal Life.”
Meanwhile, Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe of Kakamega has announced the postponement of the funeral Mass and the burial date of Bishop Sulumeti that had been slated for November 20 to the following day.
Bishop Obanyi explained that the change was made due to “reasonable requests made by other people , including leaders who are not able to be present on the day, after consultation with all those concerned.”
The funeral Mass of the late Kenyan Catholic Bishop is scheduled to take place at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega Diocese beginning at 10 a.m. local time.
According to the statement dated Wednesday, November 12, the body of the late Bishop Sulumeti will be flown from Nairobi to Kisumu and then transported to Kakamega on November 20, where a Requiem Mass, viewing and subsequent vigil Masses have been planned at St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Kakamega Diocese.
In their November 13 press conference, KCCB members also paid their tribute to the late Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga who passed on October 15, describing the Kenyan leader as a statesman who consistently sought reconciliation for the stability of Kenya.
They described the former Kenyan Prime Minister who was laid to rest on October 19 as “a gallant son of the soil,” whose life embodied the struggle for democracy, justice, and unity.
The Catholic Church leaders noted that through decades of selfless service, Hon. Raila contributed immensely to the expansion of Kenya's democratic space, defended freedom of expression, and championed devolution as a path to equitable development.
They said that Hon. Raila's vision for Kenya “was bold and unyielding, one where prosperity, justice, and opportunity would thrive.”
“In moments when he could have chosen division, Raila chose reconciliation. He forgave, embraced dialogue, and consistently fought for the peace and stability of Kenya,” they added.
The Catholic Bishops praised Raila’s legacy in reconciliation and justice, saying that it will inspire future generations.
“May the Almighty God comfort his family, friends, and the millions who drew hope from his unwavering spirit. We entrust his soul to God, praying that he may find eternal rest in His presence,’’ they said.
In their press conference, KCCB members also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the Elgeyo Marakwet landslides and Kihoto floods in Naivasha, saying, “As we mourn those who died, we express our solidarity with all the families displaced and those who lost their loved ones, their property and livelihoods.”
According to a November 1 BBC report, some 21 people had died as a result of the October 31 landslide, which was triggered by heavy rains in the country’s western region.
Kenya’s Catholic Bishops called for a comprehensive review of emergency response mechanisms to better save lives during such disasters.
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They implored, “May God console each of you. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.”
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