Married father of two arrested for allegedly posing as Catholic priest in Lodwar

Police in Lodwar have arrested a man who allegedly posed as a Catholic priest at St Augustine Cathedral for more than three weeks.

The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, is said to have arrived in Lodwar claiming to be a Catholic priest from Tanzania who was on leave and visiting the town.

He reportedly convinced the local clergy of his credentials and was allowed to lead Mass and administer sacraments to congregants.

Onchonga also had priestly vestments for different occasions, further convincing the faithful that he was a genuine priest.

“Huyu mtu alitoka wapi? Nashangaa sana vile huyu mtu alikuja halafu akagundulika sio father na tayari alikuwa amefanya maneno mpaka alikuwa amepeana sakramenti,” Alice Ajikon, a Lodwar resident, stated.

For about three weeks, there were reportedly no questions about his identity, with Bishop John Mbinda even allowing him to stay at the bishop’s official residence.

However, his alleged deception began to unravel when he made a mistake while reciting one of the prayers during Mass.

Further interrogation into his background reportedly revealed that Onchonga was not an ordained Catholic priest.

The investigation also established that he was married and had two children living in his home county of Kisii.

“Huyu mtu alikuja mpaka akapeana sakramenti kinyume cha sheria ya Kanisa Katoliki. Kama angetaka kuua bishop ama kupeana kitu mbaya angefanya,” Eliud Emeri, a Catholic faithful, stated.

Another resident expressed concern that the incident could undermine public confidence in churches.

“Hii sasa itafanya watu waanze kuogopa hizi makanisa. Inafaa sasa makanisa ianze kuchunguza maafisa,” Joseph Longole, a Lodwar resident, stated.

Bishop Mbinda subsequently issued a notice to congregants informing them that the man they had welcomed as a priest was allegedly an imposter.

Onchonga was later arrested and arraigned before Lodwar Magistrate Michael Lokitam, who ordered that he be remanded in custody.

His case is due for mention next week.