A married father of two, Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has been arrested in Kenya for allegedly impersonating a Catholic priest and conducting religious activities in several parishes in Turkana County.
Onchonga reportedly gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by allegedly presenting forged church documents to support his claim that he was an ordained priest.
According to Kenyan publication Tuko, he allegedly celebrated Mass and participated in other religious activities at several Catholic worship centres, including St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Lodaraja.
His alleged impersonation came to light after photographs emerged showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.
The photographs reportedly raised concerns within the Catholic community, prompting the Diocese of Lodwar to investigate and subsequently clarify Onchonga’s status.
In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda, the Diocese dissociated itself from Onchonga, stating that he does not have priestly authority or any official position within the Catholic Church.
The Diocese also warned parishioners and members of the public against allowing him to perform priestly functions or undertake other religious duties.
Onchonga has been charged with identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code, an offence that carries a possible prison sentence of up to three years upon conviction.
He initially pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14. However, he later changed his plea to not guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17.
According to the charge sheet, Onchonga allegedly posed as a duly ordained Catholic priest between July 31 and August 12 in Turkana Central Sub-County.
He is accused of falsely presenting himself to Bishop Mbinda and officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar as a priest authorised to conduct church meetings and administer the sacraments.
Onchonga remains in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions imposed by the court.
The conditions include a KSh100,000 ($773.10) bond with a surety or KSh50,000 ($386.25) cash bail.
