A married father of two has allegedly posed as a Catholic priest and celebrated Masses at several churches in Turkana County, Kenya, leaving members of the Catholic community stunned.
The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, is accused of using forged Church documents to present himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.
According to the Diocese, Onchonga allegedly celebrated Mass and administered sacraments at St Augustine Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel and St Mary’s Lodaraja.
In a development that has raised further questions, Onchonga was reportedly seen celebrating Mass alongside the Catholic Bishop of Lodwar, Rt Rev John Mbinda, C.S.Sp., before his identity was eventually uncovered.
The Diocese of Lodwar has since publicly disowned Onchonga, stating that he is not a Catholic priest and had no authorisation to perform priestly duties.
In an official notice issued through Bishop Mbinda, the Diocese warned members of the public against engaging Onchonga to conduct Masses, administer sacraments or perform any other priestly functions.
The revelation has sparked questions over how Onchonga allegedly managed to move between parishes, gain the trust of worshippers and perform religious duties without being detected.
Police are reportedly investigating the matter, including how he allegedly obtained the forged Church documents and gained access to different churches within the Diocese of Lodwar.
The circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation.
