The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has charged three people over the alleged operation of an unregistered church in Bondo, Siaya County, in a case involving claims that minors suffered severe burns during a purported exorcism ritual.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ODPP said Gaudencia Juma Otieno, alias Church Mother; Stephen Omondi Otieno, alias Pastor; and Clinton Owour Obudho, alias Deacon Daudi, appeared before Bondo Law Courts, where they denied charges of unlawfully managing St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church, also known as St. Abraham Sayuni.

The prosecution alleged that the three operated the church in Ogago Village, Barkowino Sub-location, Bondo Sub-county, without registration or exemption, contrary to the Societies Act.

Prosecution Counsel Edwin Nyakundi told the court that the alleged offence occurred on October 4, 2026.

Obudho faced additional charges of grievous harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations that he poured hot water on three minors during a purported exorcism or “deliverance” ritual.

According to the prosecution, two of the children are hospitalised with severe burns.

The accused denied the charges before Resident Magistrate Chepchirchir Christabel Maiyo.

The court granted Otieno a bond of KSh100,000, with an alternative cash bail of KSh50,000.

Omondi Otieno and Obudho were each granted bond of KSh300,000, without a cash bail alternative.