The first Bishop of Kumu Diocese Rt. Rev Thomas Edison Irigei has passed away this morning.
His death was confirmed by the Bishop of Kumi, Rt Rev Micheal Okwi Esarkan.
“Your Grace, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Brother Bishops and all Christians. I announce the news of going home to the Lord of Papa, The First and Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kumi. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei rested early this morning shortly after midnight Tuesday December 5, 2023,” Bishop Okwi said in a message to the Archbishop.
“We thank God Almighty for the gift of his life salvation, calling and ministry as a Christian, Lay Reader, a chaplain, parish priest, bishop of the Diocese of Kumi and former Provincial Dean of the Province of Church of Uganda,” he said.
A tentative burial program shall be communicated to you in due course.
Rt. Rev Thomas Edison Irigei was consecrated as the first Bishop of Kumi Diocese by His Grace the Most Rev Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo on July 22, 2001.
Bishop Irigei has served under three Archbishops; The Most Rev. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, The Most Rev Henry Luke Orombi and The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali.
During his tenure, Bishop Irigei ordained 68 priests (some few have passed away) and made four deacons. He made a number of clergy into Canons and few laity Canons. Other priests were ordained earlier under COU Soroti Diocese by Bishop Geresom Ilukor.
The retired Rt. Rev. John Charles Odurkami ordained four priests and made four into deacons. He made six senior clergy into Canons in specific fields.
