Married Man Caught Impersonating Catholic Priest

Jones Bogonko Onchonga allegedly used forged church documents to present himself as a cleric belonging to the Diocese of Lodwar and proceeded to conduct religious services across several parishes in Turkana County. The discovery has left many members of the local Catholic community shocked and searching for answers.

Onchonga is said to have celebrated Mass and administered sacraments at St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St. Thomas Chapel and St. Mary’s Lodaraja. In a particularly striking detail, he was even observed performing liturgical duties alongside Bishop John Mbinda, the Catholic Bishop of Lodwar, before his true identity came to light. The ease with which he moved between different churches and participated in official ceremonies has raised serious questions about verification processes within the diocese.

The Diocese of Lodwar has issued a formal notice through Bishop Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, C.S.Sp., firmly disowning Onchonga and stating that he had no authorisation to perform any priestly functions. The bishop warned the public against seeking or accepting any sacramental services from the man, emphasising that his actions were completely unauthorised. The statement aims to protect the faithful and restore confidence in the legitimacy of clergy serving in the region.

Many parishioners are now asking how a man with a wife and two children managed to sustain the deception for as long as he did. Moving from one parish to another while conducting full liturgical services without detection points to possible gaps in communication and document checks among church officials. The case has prompted quiet reflection within the local Catholic community about the need for tighter safeguards.

Police investigators are currently examining how Onchonga obtained the forged documents that allowed him to gain access to the churches and how he maintained the pretence for an extended period. Authorities are expected to establish the full extent of his activities and determine whether anyone else assisted him. The episode serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of rigorous verification whenever individuals claim religious authority.