A group of young people in Lodwar has called for greater transparency in the case involving Jones Bogonko Onchonga, who has been accused of allegedly presenting himself as a Catholic priest.
Speaking to Ayok TV on Sunday afternoon, the youth questioned the circumstances surrounding Onchonga’s continued detention and called on the Catholic Church and relevant authorities to clearly explain the allegations and offences he is facing.
The group said that if Onchonga maintains that his intention was to reach out to people and serve the community, his account should also be heard through the due process of law.
However, the youth acknowledged that the allegations against him must be tested in court and that his guilt or innocence should ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
The group said its members would attend Onchonga’s court proceedings on August 31, 2026, when the matter is scheduled for mention, to establish firsthand the charges facing him. The case is scheduled for hearing on October 13, 2026.
The youth stressed that their position was not intended to shield Onchonga from accountability but to ensure that the case is handled transparently and fairly, based on facts rather than public speculation.
They called on the Church and authorities to allow the judicial process to establish the facts, arguing that the public deserves clarity while Onchonga is entitled to his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
The Diocese of Lodwar has publicly distanced itself from Onchonga, stating that he is not a Catholic priest and alleging that he performed unauthorized religious functions while presenting himself as a priest.
Separately, reports indicate that Onchonga is facing a criminal charge relating to identity theft. The allegations have yet to be conclusively determined by a court.
