James Odongo, a Catechist at St. Stephen Catholic Church and Director of St. Stephen Nursery and Primary School in Ogorai Village, Odudui Parish, Arapai Sub County is in police cells for allegedly defiling a P5 pupil.
The situation escalated on Tuesday night when Odongo was caught red-handed locked with the teenager in his office by the teenager’s father and community members. Odongo’s troubles began when community members suspected him of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with the 14-year-old girl, as he was frequently seen entering his office with her at night.
Some community members alerted the girl’s father, Robert Ekibu who started investigating the repeated late-night visits of his daughter to the catechist’s office. On Tuesday night, they observed the teenager entering the office at 6 PM where she stayed until 9:30 PM, when the teen’s father and community members were mobilized to arrest Odongo.
Ekibu told our reporter that he had received reports for a long time suggesting that his daughter was involved with Odongo. He recounted an incident where Odongo went to his home in the evening and sat outside with his daughter until around 10 PM. Although he was inside the house, he refrained from confronting Odongo at the moment, thinking he might be providing guidance.
”When he left, I confronted my daughter about it and warned her never to entertain such again” Ekibu said. Ekibu further revealed that Odongo lured his daughter using a smartphone by letting her watch comedy skits on TikTok.
He emphasized the need for justice for his daughter whose future has already been spoiled by Odongo’s acts. “I want Odongo to face the courts of law because he has destroyed future of that girl and the bond, we had together. I am the one who sold him the land where he established his school, and then he comes after my daughter. He was supposed to be a father figure and a guide to this young girl, not someone who would spoil her future, “Ekibu stated.
Augustin Ewalu, the area LC1 Chairperson, noted that he received alarming calls from the community on Tuesday night, informing him that they were ready to take mob justice against the catechist. ”I rushed to the school and found that Odongo had been locked inside the office with the teenager, prompting the community to confine him there until the police were notified,” Ewalu explained.
Ewalu managed to keep the situation from escalating further until the police arrived around 11 PM to rescue both him and the teenager.
Ewalu expressed the community’s disbelief and disappointment, that Odongo’s actions were shocking, especially considering his role as a guide and advisor for the youth in the community. They later handed over the suspect to Odui police post, which has commenced investigations-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
