Kenyans have been left amused and surprised after a video showing a man dressed in Catholic priestly robes dancing energetically went viral, shortly before details emerged that he had allegedly been impersonating a priest in Lodwar, Turkana County.
The man, identified as Jones Bogonko Onchonga, was reportedly arrested after spending more than three weeks presenting himself to members of the community as a Catholic priest.
Questions about his identity reportedly arose during Mass when worshippers noticed that he struggled with some of the church’s basic prayers. He allegedly mixed up the sequence of prayers, raising suspicion among congregants familiar with Catholic traditions.
The incident gained additional attention after a video of Bogonko dancing while wearing priestly attire circulated widely on social media. His lively performance attracted laughter and curiosity online before the alleged impersonation claims gave the footage a different context.
Reports further indicate that Bogonko is a married man and a father of two children, adding another surprising detail to the story.
The incident has triggered reactions from social media users, with some drawing comparisons to previous cases involving people who allegedly assumed false identities.
On Friday, August 28, Facebook user Simon Mwangi Muthiora commented on the matter, describing the alleged impersonator as someone who had displayed several warning signs.
Muthiora compared the case with that of Waiganjo, who was accused of posing as a police inspector, as well as the controversial Artur brothers, who were linked to claims of falsely holding senior security positions during the Kibaki administration.
The unusual incident has renewed debate over identity verification and how impostors can gain public trust, particularly within religious institutions where communities often place significant confidence in their leaders.