A married father of two has been charged in Kenya with posing as a Catholic priest and conducting religious services in Turkana County.
Jones Bogonko Onchonga allegedly presented forged church documents to gain entry to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. Between 31 July and 12 August he is accused of celebrating Mass and taking part in other priestly activities at several locations, including St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Lodaraja.
Photographs later circulated showing him celebrating Mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt Rev John Mbinda. The images prompted concern among parishioners and led the diocese to issue a formal statement.
In the statement signed by Bishop Mbinda, the diocese said Onchonga holds no priestly authority or official position in the Catholic Church and warned the public not to allow him to perform any religious duties.
Onchonga faces a charge of identity theft under Article 382 of Kenya’s Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment. He initially pleaded guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on 14 August, but changed his plea to not guilty three days later before Magistrate Michael Lokitam.
He remains in custody after failing to meet bail conditions of a KSh100,000 bond with surety or KSh50,000 cash bail.
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