A married father of two, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, has been exposed in Kenya for allegedly impersonating a Catholic priest.
Onchonga was said to have been carrying out religious activities in several parishes in Turkana County.
Kenyan publication Tuko reported that Onchonga gained access to the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar by allegedly presenting falsified church documents to support his claim to be an ordained priest.
He was said to have celebrated mass and participated in other religious activities at several Catholic worship centres, including St Augustine’s Cathedral in Kalokol, St Thomas’ Chapel and St Mary’s Lodaraja.
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The alleged impersonation was discovered after photographs emerged showing him celebrating mass alongside the Bishop of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, CSSp.
The discovery reportedly sparked concern among members of the Catholic community, prompting the diocese of Lodwar to clarify its situation.
Bishop Mbinda, in a statement, said the diocese had distanced itself from Onchonga, stating that he had no priestly authority or official position within the Catholic Church.
The bishop also warned parishioners and the public not to allow him to perform priestly or other religious duties.
Meanwhile, Onchonga has been charged with identity theft under section 382 of the Kenya Penal Code, a crime that carries a possible prison sentence of up to three years upon conviction.
He pleaded guilty to the impersonation charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Evanson Ngigi on August 14.