Tributes Pour in for Pioneer Bishop of Kenyan Diocese Who Helped Shape Kenya’s Democracy

He added referring to the late Church leader who first became Bishop at the age of 34, “As the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Kakamega, he built not only institutions, but hope; nurturing the spiritual, educational, and social foundations of countless families across our nation.”

Bishop Sulumeti, according to the Kenyan Head of State, “carried his calling with humility, firmness, and dignity.”

“His (Sulumeti’s) voice served the church, but also echoed in matters of justice, human dignity, and national unity,” he said.

In his tribute, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka described the late Bishop as “a towering spiritual leader” who leaves behind an indelible mark on the Church and the entire Kenyan society.

“Bishop Sulumeti was a humble shepherd of faith and a steadfast defender of the marginalised,” Kalonzo said in a post, and added, “A towering spiritual leader, Bishop Sulumeti's humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on our Church and our nation.”

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“May God comfort his family, the Church, and all who were touched by his grace,” the former Kenyan Vice President said.

His sentiments were echoed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta who mourned Bishop Sulumeti as a devoted servant of God and a pillar of faith whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service.

Kenyatta described the late Bishop as a moral compass and peacemaker who touched countless lives through his ministry and steadfast dedication to uplifting communities.

Reflecting on his passing, the former Head of State said Bishop Sulumeti’s legacy of faith, unity, and love will remain deeply etched in the hearts of all who knew him.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, the Clergy, women and men Religious, and Laity, praying that “God grants them comfort and strength during this time of loss.”

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In a separate tribute, the speaker of Kenya’s National assembly, Hon. Moses Wetangula, also described the late Bishop Sulumeti as “a towering spiritual leader” whose humility, wisdom and unwavering faith leaves an indelible mark on the East African country.

He recalled that Bishop Sulumeti was not only a shepherd of the faithful but also a patriot who played a pivotal role in Kenya’s Constitutional Review Commission.

Hon. Wetangula recalled that in his widely acclaimed role, Bishop Sulumeti’s “voice of reason” and moral clarity “helped shape the democratic ideals we now cherish.”

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The government official said that in his ministry, Bishop Sulumeti tirelessly championed education, social justice and peace, touching countless lives through his selfless service and dedication to the betterment of society.

“On behalf of the National Assembly and my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic fraternity, the people of Kakamega and all Kenyans as we celebrate the life of this great servant of God whose legacy will forever inspire generations,” the Kenyan Speaker said. 

Born on 15 August 1937 in Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, Bishop Sulumeti was ordained a Priest on 6 January 1966.

The late Kenyan Bishop started his Episcopal Ministry in August 1972 as Auxiliary Bishop of the then Catholic Diocese of Kisumu, serving under Bishop Joannes de Reeper, a member of St. Joseph’s Missionary Society of Mill Hill (Mill Hill Missionaries/MHM).

The late Bishop Sulumeti succeeded Bishop Reeper in December 1976, and in February 1978, he was appointed pioneer Local Ordinary of Kakamega Diocese. He retired in December 2014 aged 77.

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The Catholic Mirror, a publication of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has reported that during his tenure, Bishop Sulumeti championed education, evangelization, and social development, establishing numerous parishes, schools, and health institutions across Kakamega Diocese and its environs.

His leadership helped strengthen the Catholic faith in Western Kenya, nurturing vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.

Bishop Sulumeti played a vital role within the KCCB, where he served in various capacities, including as Vice Chairman and head of several commissions.

Bishop Sulumeti, the KCCB publication reports, was deeply committed to promoting justice, peace, and dialogue, “particularly during Kenya’s politically turbulent years.”