A married Kenyan man, Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has pleaded not guilty to charges of identity theft for allegedly posing as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Lodwar, according to ACI Africa. He remains in custody after failing to meet bail conditions set at KSh100,000 bond with a surety or KSh50,000 cash bail.
The Diocese of Lodwar issued a warning on August 16, stating that Onchonga was not a Catholic priest despite presenting himself as "Fr Jones Bogonko Onchonga, C." The diocese said he allegedly pretended to administer sacraments, conducted unauthorized celebrations, usurped ecclesiastical office, and falsified Church documents. He allegedly presented documents identifying him as a member of the Missionaries of Charity ), a religious congregation.
Reports indicate that Onchonga's alleged deception began to unravel on August 9, when he celebrated Mass at St Mary's Shrine in Lodaraja. Parishioners and clergy became suspicious after he struggled with parts of the liturgy. A photograph from the celebration was circulated among priests, prompting verification of his credentials.
According to reports, Onchonga is a layman from Kisii, married with two children. After being questioned by police, he reportedly admitted to impersonating a priest for almost two years. He allegedly arrived in Lodwar in 2025 carrying documents identifying him as a Missionaries of Charity priest. Police reportedly found 17 books on Catholic doctrine in his possession. Reports say he had never attended a Catholic seminary or received formal formation in philosophy and theology, instead allegedly studying Church doctrine, liturgy, Church history, and the administration of sacraments from books.
The charge against Onchonga falls under Article 382 of Kenya's Penal Code, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years. He initially pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14, but later changed his plea to not guilty before Magistrate Michael Lokitam on August 17. The court is scheduled to mention the case on August 31 and begin the hearing on October 13.
Kenya's Standard newspaper reported that Onchonga spent about three weeks in Lodwar dressed as a Catholic priest and interacted with clergy. Other Kenyan reports say he appeared at several Catholic locations, including St Augustine Cathedral in Lodwar, Kalokol, St Thomas Chapel, and St Mary's Lodaraja. One report says he was seen celebrating Mass alongside Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, Sp.
The Diocese of Lodwar has distanced itself from Onchonga. Bishop Mbinda warned parishioners and the public against allowing him to perform priestly or other religious duties. The bishop said the diocese had no official connection to Onchonga, and that he had no priestly authority within the Catholic Church.