Married father of two exposed after allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Kenya

Married father of two exposed after allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Kenya

A married father of two has been exposed in Kenya after allegedly posing as a Catholic priest, celebrating Mass and carrying out other religious activities at several Catholic worship centres in Turkana County.

The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, allegedly gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by presenting documents that purportedly supported his claim that he was an ordained Catholic priest.

According to reports from Kenyan and Catholic news outlets, Onchonga allegedly presented himself as “Fr Jones Bogonko Onchonga, M.C.” and claimed an association with the Missionaries of Charity.

He reportedly participated in Catholic activities at several locations, including St Augustine Cathedral, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Shrine in Lodaraja.

His alleged impersonation came to light after photographs surfaced showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp.

The photographs reportedly triggered questions among Catholic clergy and members of the community, leading to further checks into his identity and credentials.

According to Agenzia Fides, police investigations later indicated that Onchonga had allegedly been posing as a Catholic priest for almost two years.

Investigators reportedly found that he arrived in Lodwar in 2025 with documents identifying him as a priest of the Missionaries of Charity.

The investigation also allegedly established that Onchonga had never attended a Catholic seminary and had not received formal training in philosophy or theology required for Catholic priesthood.

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Instead, police reportedly said he taught himself aspects of Catholic liturgy and Church procedures through religious books. Investigators allegedly recovered 17 books on Church doctrine, including materials relating to liturgy and the administration of sacraments.

Reports further indicate that Onchonga was a married man with two children living in Kisii, despite allegedly presenting himself as a Catholic priest.

His activities reportedly came under increased scrutiny after he celebrated Mass at St Mary’s Shrine in Lodaraja on August 9, 2026. Concerns about his conduct during the service allegedly prompted a photograph from the Mass to be circulated among priests and Church officials.

The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar subsequently issued a public warning distancing itself from Onchonga and making it clear that he was not an ordained priest of the Diocese.

In a statement signed by Bishop Mbinda and the diocesan chancellor, the Diocese reportedly warned priests, religious communities and members of the public against allowing Onchonga to perform priestly or other religious duties.

The Diocese also accused him of allegedly pretending to administer the sacraments, conducting unauthorised religious celebrations, usurping an ecclesiastical office and falsifying Church documents.

The allegations have now moved to the courts, with Onchonga facing a personation charge under Section 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, he allegedly posed as a duly ordained Catholic priest between July 31 and August 12, 2026, in Turkana Central Sub-County.

He is accused of falsely presenting 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 appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi at the Lodwar Law Courts on August 14, where he initially pleaded guilty to the charge.

However, he later changed his plea to not guilty when he appeared before Resident Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17.

The court subsequently granted him a KSh100,000 bond with one surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000.

However, reports indicate that he remained in custody after failing to meet the bail conditions.

His case is scheduled for mention on August 31, 2026, while the hearing is expected to commence on October 13, 2026.

If convicted under the relevant provision of Kenya’s Penal Code, Onchonga could face a prison sentence of up to three years.

The allegations against him have not been finally determined by the court, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Married father of two exposed after allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Kenya