Kenya: Married Father of Two Nabbed Over Alleged Catholic Priest Impersonation

Authorities in Turkana County, Kenya, have apprehended a man identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, a married father of two, on allegations of impersonating a Catholic priest. Onchonga is accused of utilizing falsified Church documents to present himself as a cleric within the Diocese of Lodwar. Reports indicate he officiated Masses and administered holy sacraments across various churches, including St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St. Thomas Chapel, and St. Mary’s Lodaraja.

A particularly astonishing detail emerged when Onchonga was reportedly observed celebrating Mass alongside Bishop John Mbinda, the Catholic Bishop of Lodwar, before his true identity was eventually unmasked. Following this revelation, the Diocese of Lodwar issued an official statement through Bishop Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp., explicitly distancing itself from Onchonga, M.C. The statement declared that Onchonga was not a recognized Catholic priest and accused him of performing priestly duties and administering sacraments without due authorization. The public was strongly cautioned against engaging him for any religious services.

The incident has sparked considerable bewilderment among Catholic faithful, many of whom are questioning how a married individual with children could have successfully moved between parishes and conducted religious ceremonies for such an extended period without detection. Law enforcement officials are currently conducting investigations to ascertain how Onchonga acquired the purported forged documents and managed to gain access to different ecclesiastical venues within the diocese.