Three church leaders charged in connection with the burning of four minors during an alleged exorcism ritual at St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Bondo, Siaya County, have been released on bond after denying the charges. Gaudensia Juma, Steven Omondi and Clinton Obudho appeared before Bondo Law Courts Magistrate Christabel Maiyo, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
In her ruling on bail terms, Magistrate Maiyo granted Juma a personal bond of KSh100,000, with an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000. Omondi and Obudho were each released on personal bonds of KSh300,000. The court also imposed conditions aimed at protecting the integrity of the proceedings, directing all three accused persons not to interfere with prosecution witnesses or the parents of the affected children.
Magistrate Maiyo warned that any violation of these conditions could result in the cancellation of their bonds.
The case arises from an incident at the Bondo-based church in which four minors reportedly suffered burns during a religious exercise allegedly intended to drive out demons. The circumstances surrounding the incident prompted police investigations, which led to the arrest of the three church leaders and their subsequent arraignment before the court.
The proceedings will determine the circumstances under which the children sustained their injuries and the alleged roles of the accused persons in the incident. The matter is scheduled for mention on October 26, 2026, when the court is expected to give further directions on the progress of the case.
The three accused persons remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in accordance with the law.
