Authorities in Bondo, Siaya County, have ordered the indefinite closure of St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church after four children allegedly suffered severe burns during a religious cleansing ritual.

Four suspects, including the church’s lead pastor, his son, who is also a pastor, a deacon and the mother of one of the victims, are in police custody as investigations continue.

The incident came to light on Thursday, October 8, after a schoolteacher reported a child with severe burn injuries to law enforcement officers.

Investigators subsequently linked the incident to a ritual conducted at the church on Sunday, during which a boiling substance reportedly called “Michael” was used in an exercise intended to cast out evil spirits from children.

Authorities Order Indefinite Church Closure

Osoi Stephen, the Assistant County Commissioner for Maranda Division, confirmed the arrests and warned against practices that expose children to abuse under the guise of religious worship.

“Churches are places of worship, not slaughterhouses,” Stephen said.

He questioned how a child as young as five could be washed with boiling water and said the church would remain closed until investigations were completed and those responsible were brought before the court.

The closure is intended to prevent further incidents while authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged ritual.

Child Rescued and Taken to Hospital

Sub-County Children’s Officer Beatrice Auma said the rescued child had been taken to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Auma also said her office would file a care and protection application in court to safeguard the child’s welfare.

The authorities are continuing investigations into the incident, including the circumstances under which the children sustained their injuries and the alleged roles of the individuals in custody.

Police Search for Three Other Children

Authorities are also searching for three additional children who were reportedly injured during the same ritual and whose whereabouts remain unknown.

According to the supplied report, two of the children are from Usigu Sub-County, while the third is from Migwena.

Officials have urged their families to present them for medical attention and safety assessments.

The search for the children remains a priority as authorities work to establish their whereabouts and ensure they receive appropriate care.

Mother Recounts Child’s Injuries

Karen Achieng, the mother of a five-year-old victim, described the ordeal, alleging that her child’s skin began peeling shortly after the child was washed with hot water at the church altar.

Achieng further alleged that the deacon involved had promised to pay the medical expenses but later stopped communicating with her.

Her account forms part of the information surrounding the investigation. The allegations against the suspects remain subject to the legal process.

Investigations Into Alleged Abuse Continue

Police operations are continuing as investigators seek to locate the missing children and determine the appropriate charges against the four detained suspects.

The case has raised serious child-protection concerns, particularly regarding practices that may expose minors to physical harm.

Authorities have stressed the need to protect children and ensure that any religious or community activity involving minors does not put their health and safety at risk.

The church remains closed indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations, according to the supplied report.