Three church leaders accused of burning four children with hot water during an alleged exorcism ritual at St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Bondo Sub-County have been released on bond as the case proceeds in court.
The suspects, Gaudensia Juma, Steven Omondi and Clinton Obudho, appeared before Bondo Resident Magistrate Christabel Maiyo to answer charges linked to the incident that left the four minors severely burnt.
The court heard that the alleged offence took place on different dates, with the incidents extending up to October 4, 2026. All three accused persons denied the charges during their appearance before the magistrate.
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 decision came after the prosecution asked the court to detain the three suspects. However, the magistrate considered the personal circumstances of the accused before making the ruling.
Juma was allowed to remain out of custody after the court considered her advanced age and reported ill health. In Obudho’s case, the magistrate took into account that his wife had recently given birth.
The ruling allows the three church leaders to remain out of custody as they await further court proceedings. Their release does not amount to an acquittal, and the charges against them remain before the court.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be addressed as the legal process continues. The magistrate also issued conditions that the accused must follow while out on bond. All three were directed to provide their contact details to the investigating officer to ensure they remain reachable throughout the investigation and court process.
They must also attend every court mention and hearing as required. In addition, the suspects are expected to make themselves available to the investigating officer whenever their presence is needed.
The court scheduled the next mention of the case for October 26, 2026, when the matter is expected to come up for further directions.