AMECEA: Bishop Sulumeti “Shaped Regional Priorities,” AMECEA Bishops Condole with Kenya
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following the death of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, of Kenya’s Kakamega Diocese, who passed away on Sunday, November 9, in Nairobi hospital, Eastern Africa, Bishops under their umbrella body, The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), have described the late Prelate as a visionary leader whose influence extended well beyond Kenya’s borders and shaped pastoral priorities across the region.
In a condolence message addressed to Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe of Kakamega, the AMECEA Chairman noted that Bishop Sulumeti played a critical role in promoting regional unity and collaboration among episcopal conferences.
“Though ordained for the Diocese of Kisumu and later serving as the first Bishop of Kakamega, his leadership and influence extended significantly beyond the boundaries of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB),” AMECEA Chairman Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde said in the statement on behalf of the Bishops in the region.
He expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bishop Sulumeti. He highlighted that “During his tenure as Vice-Chairman of the AMECEA Executive Board (2008–2011), Bishop Sulumeti provided critical leadership that helped shape regional pastoral priorities.
He added, “Bishop Sulumeti’s episcopal motto, ‘Ut Unum Sint’ (That They May Be One), reflected his lifelong commitment to unity and solidarity,” values that guided his service to the Church both in Kenya and the wider AMECEA region.
As burial plans are underway to lay Bishop Sulumeti to rest on Friday, November 21, the AMECEA Bishops promise their prayers for the repose of Bishop Sulumeti’s soul and for consolation for all who mourn his passing.”
Bishop Sulumeti’s body will be flown to Kisumu from Nairobi and then transported to Kakamega on Thursday, November 20, for a requiem Mass, viewing, and vigil Masses at St. Joseph Kakamega Cathedral. On Friday, the funeral Mass will take place at Bukhungu Stadium, after which the body will be interred in a crypt at the Cathedral Church.
