Three church leaders linked to an alleged exorcism ritual that left four children severely burnt with hot water at St Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Bondo, Siaya County, have been granted bail after denying the charges.
Gaudensia Juma, Steven Omondi and Clinton Obudho appeared before Bondo Resident Magistrate Christabel Maiyo, who released them on bond as investigations into the incident continue.
The court granted Juma a bond of KSh100,000 or an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000, while Omondi and Obudho were each released on a bond of KSh300,000.
Court grants bail to church leaders
The prosecution had sought to have the accused detained. However, the court considered Juma’s advanced age and ill health, as well as the fact that Obudho’s wife had recently given birth, in determining the applications.
Magistrate Maiyo directed the three to provide their contact details to the investigating officer, attend all court mentions and hearings, and remain available to investigators whenever required.
She also warned them against interfering with the victims, prosecution witnesses or the parents of the affected children. The magistrate cautioned that failure to comply with the court orders could lead to the cancellation of their bonds.
The case will be mentioned on October 26, 2026.
The incident came to light after a teacher raised concerns when a five-year-old pupil reported to school with severe burn injuries.The teacher alerted authorities, prompting investigations that linked the injuries to a religious cleansing ritual at the church.
Details of the alleged incident
Authorities said children had allegedly been washed with boiling water during the exercise, which was intended to cast out evil spirits. Four children were reported to have sustained burns, while officials initially sought to trace other children who might also have been injured.
Maranda Assistant County Commissioner Stephen Osoi confirmed the arrests and condemned practices that expose children to harm. Bondo Sub-County Children’s Officer Beatrice Auma also said her office was pursuing measures to safeguard the affected children's welfare and secure medical attention for them.
Authorities respond to the case
The incident prompted authorities to order the church's indefinite closure as investigations continued.
The Israel Assemblies of God denomination also distanced itself from the ritual, saying the church had joined its umbrella body in June 2026 and that Obudho had not been authorised to conduct ceremonial activities. The denomination said it did not condone the misuse of religious practices and would cooperate with investigators.
The three accused persons have denied the charges. Their release on bond does not determine their guilt and the case will proceed through the courts as investigators and prosecutors pursue the matter.
