Married father of two exposed for allegedly posing as Catholic priest

A married father of two, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has been exposed in Kenya for allegedly posing as a Catholic priest.

Onchonga was said to have been conducting religious activities in several parishes in Turkana County.

Kenyan publication Tuko reported that Onchonga gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by allegedly presenting forged church documents to support his claim of being an ordained priest.

He was said to have celebrated Mass and taken part in other religious activities at various Catholic worship centres, including St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Lodaraja.

The alleged impersonation was uncovered after photographs surfaced showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.

The discovery reportedly sparked concern among members of the Catholic community, leading the Diocese of Lodwar to clarify his status.

Bishop Mbinda, in a statement, said the Diocese had distanced itself from Onchonga, stating that he had no priestly authority or official position within the Catholic Church.

The bishop also warned parishioners and members of the public against allowing him to perform priestly or other religious duties.

Meanwhile, Onchonga has been charged with identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code, an offence that carries a possible prison term of up to three years upon conviction.

He pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14.