Police in Lodwar have arrested a man accused of impersonating a Catholic priest and carrying out priestly duties at St Augustine Cathedral for several weeks.
The suspect, Jones Bogonko Onchonga, reportedly arrived in Lodwar claiming to be a Catholic priest from Tanzania who was on leave and visiting the town.
Courtesy: Jones Bogonko Onchonga, the man arrested for allegedly posing as a Catholic priest in Lodwar.
His story allegedly convinced members of the local clergy, who allowed him to take part in church activities. He reportedly led Mass and administered sacraments to congregants, while wearing priestly vestments that further strengthened the belief that he was a genuine priest.
The alleged impersonation went unnoticed for about three weeks. During this period, Onchonga was reportedly allowed to stay at the official residence of Bishop John Mbinda.
However, suspicion was raised when the man allegedly made an error while reciting a prayer during Mass. Further inquiries into his background reportedly revealed that he was not an ordained Catholic priest.
Investigators also reportedly established that Onchonga was married and had two children living in Kisii County.
The incident has left many residents and members of the Catholic Church in shock.
“Huyu mtu alitoka wapi? Nashangaa sana vile huyu mtu alikuja halafu akagundulika sio father na tayari alikuwa amefanya maneno mpaka alikuwa amepeana sakramenti,” said Alice Ajikon, a Lodwar resident.
Catholic faithful have expressed concern over the security implications of the incident, saying the man could have posed a serious danger if he had other intentions.
“Huyu mtu alikuja mpaka akapeana sakramenti kinyume cha sheria ya Kanisa Katoliki. Kama angetaka kuua bishop ama kupeana kitu mbaya angefanya,” said Eliud Emeri, a Catholic faithful.
Another resident, Joseph Longole, said the incident could make people lose confidence in religious institutions and called on churches to strengthen their verification procedures.
“Hii sasa itafanya watu waanze kuogopa hizi makanisa. Inafaa sasa makanisa ianze kuchunguza maafisa,” he said.
Following the discovery, Bishop Mbinda reportedly issued a notice to congregants informing them that the man they had received as a visiting priest was allegedly an imposter.
Onchonga was later arrested and arraigned before Lodwar Magistrate Michael Lokitam, who ordered that he remain in custody.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned next week as investigations continue.
By Joel Esabu