A married father of two, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has been charged in Kenya after allegedly posing as a Catholic priest and conducting religious activities in several parishes within Turkana County.
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Onchonga was accused of presenting himself as an ordained priest of the Catholic Church and allegedly using forged church documents to gain access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.
According to reports, he subsequently celebrated Mass and participated in other religious activities at a number of Catholic worship centres, including St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel and St Maryâs Lodaraja.
His activities reportedly came under scrutiny after photographs emerged showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.
The photographs raised concerns within the Catholic community and prompted the Diocese of Lodwar to publicly clarify Onchongaâs status.
In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda, the Diocese distanced itself from him, stating that he had no priestly authority or official position within the Catholic Church.
The Diocese also warned parishioners and members of the public against allowing him to celebrate Mass, administer sacraments or perform any other function reserved for duly ordained Catholic priests.
According to the charge sheet, Onchonga allegedly impersonated a Catholic priest between July 31 and August 12, 2026, in Turkana Central Sub-County.
Prosecutors alleged that he falsely presented himself to Bishop Mbinda and officials of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar as a duly ordained priest authorised to conduct church meetings and administer sacraments.
He has been charged with identity theft under Article 382 of Kenyaâs Penal Code, an offence which reportedly attracts a maximum prison term of three years upon conviction.
Onchonga first appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14, where he reportedly pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge.
However, when he subsequently appeared before Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17, he changed his plea to not guilty, meaning the allegations against him will now have to be proved by the prosecution.
The accused remains in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions imposed by the court.
The court granted him a KSh100,000 bond with a surety or, alternatively, KSh50,000 cash bail.
The case has attracted attention because Catholic priests are ordinarily required to undergo years of formation, theological education and formal ordination before being authorised to celebrate Mass or administer sacraments.
The Dioceseâs intervention has also raised questions over how the accused allegedly gained access to different worship centres and was able to participate in religious activities before concerns were raised about his status.
Onchonga is presumed innocent of the charge unless and until the prosecution proves the allegation against him before the court.
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