A married father of two has been accused of impersonating a Catholic priest and conducting religious activities in several parishes within Kenya’s Turkana County.
The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, allegedly gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar after presenting documents that purportedly supported his claim of being an ordained priest.
According to Kenyan publication Tuko, Onchonga 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 reportedly came to light after photographs emerged showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.
The development reportedly raised concerns among members of the Catholic community, prompting the Diocese of Lodwar to issue a clarification on Onchonga’s status.
In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda, the Diocese said Onchonga has no priestly authority or official position within the Catholic Church.
The Diocese subsequently cautioned parishioners and members of the public against allowing him to perform priestly functions or undertake other religious duties.
Onchonga has since been charged with identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code. If convicted, the offence carries a possible prison sentence of up to three years.
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 presented himself as a duly ordained Catholic priest between July 31 and August 12 in Turkana Central Sub-County.
He is accused of falsely representing 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 reportedly failing to meet the bail conditions imposed by the court. The conditions include a KSh100,000 bond with a surety or KSh50,000 cash bail.
The case remains before the court, and the allegations against Onchonga have yet to be proven.
Credit: Vanguard
