The leadership of the Israel Assemblies of God Church (AIGC) has distanced itself from an alleged exorcism exercise at its St. Abraham Ogago branch in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County, that reportedly left four children with serious burns.
The church’s leadership says the incident does not reflect its teachings or practices, following the arrest of three branch leaders over allegations that a five-year-old boy was scalded with boiling water in an attempt to remove demons.
Archbishop James Otieno Okwach condemned the incident, maintaining that AIGC has never practised exorcism since its establishment in 1963.
He said the alleged actions were carried out by individual members of the branch, which had only recently joined the church from another religious institution known as Sayuni.
Okwach said the incident had damaged the church’s reputation and pledged that its leadership would cooperate fully with police investigations to ensure the affected children and their families receive justice.
He also warned against individuals who use religious institutions as a cover for abusive practices, stressing that places of worship should provide spiritual guidance, comfort and support rather than expose children and other vulnerable people to harm.
The incident came to light on Thursday after a teacher reported the five-year-old boy’s condition to Bondo Police Station.
The teacher had reportedly discovered that the child had sustained burns covering a significant portion of his body, prompting concerns that led to police intervention.
Investigators subsequently traced and rescued three other children who allegedly underwent similar treatment.
The four children are receiving medical attention at different health facilities as authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Three church leaders and the boy’s mother remain in police custody as investigations proceed.
Authorities are expected to establish the respective roles, if any, of those implicated and determine how the alleged incident occurred.
The case has raised concerns about the protection of children from abuse carried out under the guise of religious or spiritual practices.
It also highlights the responsibility of religious institutions to safeguard vulnerable members and ensure that spiritual interventions do not expose children to dangerous or abusive treatment.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
