Three people have been charged with unlawfully managing an unregistered church in Bondo, Siaya County, in a case involving allegations that three minors were harmed during a purported exorcism ritual.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said Gaudencia Juma Otieno, alias Church Mother, Stephen Omondi Otieno, alias Pastor, and Clinton Owour Obudho, alias Deacon Daudi, appeared before the Bondo Law Courts to face charges linked to the alleged activities of the church.
The three were accused of unlawfully managing the society at Ogago Village, Barkowino Sub-location, Bondo Sub-county, on October 4, 2026, without registration or exemption.
Prosecution Counsel Edwin Nyakundi told the court that their alleged actions violated Section 5, as read with Section 4(1) of the Societies Act, Cap. 108 of the Laws of Kenya.
The accused denied the charges before Resident Magistrate Chepchirchir Christabel Maiyo.
Obudho faced additional charges of grievous harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations involving three minors.
According to the prosecution, Obudho poured hot water on the children under the guise of conducting an exorcism or “deliverance” ritual.
Two of the children are reportedly hospitalised with severe burns, the ODPP said.
Obudho was charged with grievous harm contrary to Section 234 of the Penal Code and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to Section 251.
The allegations relate to the purported ritual, which the prosecution says resulted in injuries to the minors.
The court granted Otieno a bond of Sh100,000, with an alternative cash bail of Sh50,000.
Omondi Otieno and Obudho were each granted a bond of Sh300,000. However, the court ruled out a cash bail alternative for the two accused.
The case involves allegations of operating a society without the required registration and causing harm to minors during a purported religious ritual.
The accused persons have denied the charges, and the allegations presented by the prosecution remain subject to determination by the court.
