One suspect released as police probe burning of four children in Bondo exorcism

One of the four people arrested in connection with the assault of four children during an alleged exorcism at a church in Bondo has been released as police intensify investigations into the incident.

85-year-old Gaudensia Juma was released on a free police bond due to her advanced age but will be arraigned on Monday alongside three other suspects.

As investigations intensify into the circumstances under which four children were assaulted at St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Ogago village, Siaya County, it has emerged that the church only recently joined the Israel Assemblies of God umbrella body.

A statement signed by James Okwach, identified as the archbishop and chairman of Israel Assemblies of God, states that the church was admitted to the denomination in June and that Clinton Obudho was not authorised to conduct any ceremonial activity.

The statement further states that the denomination does not condone the misuse of religious practices and will cooperate with the authorities.

Maranda Assistant County Commissioner Stephen Osoi says two children aged three and five years have been moved to Kisumu for further treatment, as police consider widening the net of arrests to include the parents of two other children.

“We thank the public who offered to give us information about these children, and if there are more, please inform us so that these children are rescued and treated,” stated Osoi.

“The second child, aged five years, has been treated and discharged and is still with the parents, awaiting the decision to charge the parents also. And we decided to also have him within our safe houses.”

The children, aged between five and six, were allegedly scalded with hot water during a church ritual on Friday to cast out demons at St Abraham Israel Assemblies of God.

Four people, including the church’s founders, were arrested as investigators pursue more suspects and seek to establish exactly what happened.

In 2024, the Presidential Taskforce on Religious Organisations was formed following the Shakahola forest massacre.

It recommended a raft of measures, including self-regulation by religious leaders and the establishment of minimum certification and leadership standards.