By Enitan Abdultawab
A married father of two has been exposed in Kenya for allegedly posing as a Catholic priest and conducting religious activities in several parishes in Turkana County.
The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, reportedly gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by allegedly presenting forged church documents to support his claim of being an ordained priest.
According to Kenyan publication Tuko, Onchonga reportedly celebrated Mass and took part in other religious activities at various 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 surfaced showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.
The discovery reportedly prompted concern among members of the Catholic community, leading the Diocese of Lodwar to clarify his status.
In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda, the Diocese distanced itself from Onchonga and stated that he has no priestly authority or official position within the Catholic Church.
The Diocese also cautioned parishioners and members of the public against allowing him to perform priestly or 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 term of up to three years upon conviction.
He initially pleaded guilty to the impersonation 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 hold church meetings and administer the sacraments.
He remains in custody after failing to meet the bail terms set by the court. The conditions include a KSh100,000 ($773.10) bond with a surety or KSh50,000 ($386.25) cash bail.
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