Married father of two exposed for posing as Catholic priest

A married father of two from Kenya has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a Catholic priest and conducting religious services in multiple parishes in Turkana County. The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, reportedly presented forged church documents to gain entry into the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. According to local reports, Onchonga conducted Masses and participated in other religious activities at locations such as St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel, and St Mary’s Lodaraja. The deception was uncovered when photos emerged showing Onchonga celebrating Mass alongside Bishop John Mbinda, the head of the diocese. This revelation sparked alarm within the local Catholic community, prompting the Diocese of Lodwar to issue a formal statement distancing itself from Onchonga. Bishop Mbinda signed the statement, clarifying that Onchonga had no legitimate role or authority within the Catholic Church. The diocese warned its members and the public not to allow him to carry out any religious duties. Onchonga faces charges of identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya's Penal Code, which could result in a maximum prison sentence of three years if he is convicted. He first pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge during a hearing before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14. However, he later changed his plea to not guilty during another appearance before Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17. According to the charge sheet, Onchonga allegedly impersonated a duly ordained priest between July 31 and August 12 in Turkana Central Sub-County. During this period, he supposedly misrepresented himself to Bishop Mbinda and other officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar as a priest authorized to conduct church meetings and administer sacraments. The court has set bail conditions that Onchonga must meet, either through a KSh100,000 ($773.10) bond with a surety or a KSh50,000 ($386.25) cash bail. He remains in custody after failing to satisfy these requirements. The incident highlights the vulnerability of religious institutions to fraud and the potential risks faced by communities when unqualified individuals assume positions of spiritual leadership. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying credentials for anyone claiming to hold religious office. The case has also raised questions about how easily false documentation can be created and used to deceive both church officials and congregants. The Diocese of Lodwar has taken steps to ensure that its members are aware of the situation and are cautious about engaging with individuals who claim to be priests without proper verification. Bishop Mbinda has urged the faithful to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. The diocese is working to restore trust within the community following the scandal. Onchonga’s legal proceedings continue as the case moves forward in the courts. His initial plea of guilt followed by a change to not guilty suggests uncertainty about the strength of the evidence against him. Legal experts suggest that the outcome will depend largely on the availability of witnesses and the authenticity of the documents presented by Onchonga. The trial is expected to proceed over the coming weeks, with further developments anticipated as more evidence comes to light.