A married father of two, Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has been exposed in Kenya for allegedly posing as a Catholic priest and conducting religious services across several parishes in Turkana County. The 42-year-old man, who is not ordained, reportedly used forged church documents to gain access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar and carried out priestly duties at prominent worship centres including St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel, and St Mary’s Lodaraja. His fraudulent activities came to light after photographs emerged showing him celebrating Mass alongside Bishop John Mbinda, C.S.Sp., the Bishop of Lodwar, sparking alarm within the Catholic community.
The Diocese of Lodwar swiftly responded by issuing a public statement distancing itself from Onchonga. Bishop Mbinda confirmed that Onchonga holds no official priestly authority or position within the Catholic Church and warned parishioners and the general public against allowing him to perform any religious functions. The bishop emphasized the seriousness of impersonating clergy and urged members of the faithful to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Onchonga’s deception was uncovered when discrepancies in his credentials were flagged during routine verification processes. Authorities discovered that he had fabricated documents to support his false claim of ordination, enabling him to infiltrate church operations and conduct sacramental rites without authorization. His actions raised concerns about the security and integrity of religious institutions, particularly in remote areas where oversight may be limited.
Legal proceedings against Onchonga have now commenced. He was formally charged with identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code, a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison upon conviction. On August 14, Onchonga appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi and pleaded guilty to the charge, acknowledging his wrongdoing in court. This admission has expedited the judicial process, with potential sentencing expected in the coming weeks.
The case has drawn attention to broader issues of fraud and impersonation within religious spaces, prompting calls for stricter vetting procedures in ecclesiastical appointments. Church leaders are now reviewing internal protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the Catholic community in Turkana County continues to grapple with the fallout, seeking reassurance and guidance from their spiritual leaders.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying credentials and maintaining transparency in religious leadership. As legal consequences unfold, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception in positions of trust and faith. The Catholic Church in Kenya remains committed to protecting its institutions and ensuring only legitimate clergy serve its congregations.
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