Three church leaders arrested in connection with an alleged exorcism ritual that left four children severely burnt with hot water at St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County, have been released on bond.
Gaudensia Juma, Steven Omondi and Clinton Obudho appeared before Bondo Resident Magistrate Christabel Maiyo, where they were charged over the incident involving the minors.
The court heard that the alleged offence was committed on diverse dates up to October 4, 2026. All three accused persons denied the charges.
Magistrate Maiyo granted Juma a bond of KSh100,000 or an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000. Omondi and Obudho were each released on a bond of KSh300,000.
The prosecution had sought to have the suspects detained as investigations into the incident continued.
However, the court considered individual circumstances involving two of the accused persons when determining their release.
The magistrate ruled that Juma could not be held in custody, citing her advanced age and reported ill health. The court also considered that Obudho's wife had recently given birth.
Despite granting them bond, the court imposed conditions requiring the accused persons to cooperate with investigators and attend all court proceedings.
Magistrate Maiyo directed each of the three to provide their contact details to the investigating officer and ensure they attend every mention and hearing of the case.
The accused persons were also ordered to make themselves available to the investigating officer whenever required.
The magistrate further cautioned the three against interfering with the victims or witnesses in any way as the case proceeds through the courts.
The case is scheduled for mention on October 26, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on its progress.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety and protection of children in religious settings, particularly where spiritual practices allegedly expose minors to physical harm.
The four children reportedly sustained severe burns during the alleged ritual at the church. The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be examined through the ongoing legal process.
