Bondo, Kenya – A church in the western town of Bondo was ordered to close after four children were found with severe burns allegedly sustained during an exorcism ritual. Police have arrested four individuals believed to be involved in the ceremony, and a separate arrest was made of a 62‑year‑old man accused of child trafficking after the same children were discovered in his accommodation, according to multiple Kenyan media reports.
Incident and Immediate Response
The children, whose ages were not disclosed, were reportedly discovered by a neighbour who heard their cries and found them in a state of distress inside a rooms‑used‑as‑a‑bedsitter. Education News described the injuries as “burns consistent with a fire‑based ritual.” The victims were rushed to a local hospital where they received emergency treatment for second‑degree burns.
"Four children were found with severe burns after an alleged exorcism ritual, authorities said."
The incident prompted the local authorities to shut the premises of the unnamed church pending a full investigation. The closure was confirmed by The Star, which noted that the police had sealed the site to preserve evidence.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials detained four persons in connection with the exorcism, as reported by The Eastleigh Voice. The suspects, whose identities have not been released, are being held on charges of causing bodily harm to minors and violating Kenya’s child protection statutes.
In a related development, Hapa Ndipo cited Radio47 in reporting that a 62‑year‑old man was arrested on allegations of child trafficking after the four children were found in his bedsitter. The man is currently being investigated for possible involvement in a broader network of illegal child recruitment, although details of the alleged trafficking remain unclear.
Broader Context and Legal Implications
Exorcism practices, while rooted in certain religious traditions, have sparked controversy in Kenya, especially when they involve minors. The Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, but the law also mandates protection for children from harmful traditional practices. The Ministry of Interior and National Government has previously warned that “any ritual that endangers the health or life of a child will be treated as a criminal offense.”
Human‑rights organisations have called for stricter enforcement of child‑protection laws, warning that isolated incidents can mask larger patterns of abuse. The recent arrests underscore a growing willingness by Kenyan police to intervene in religious settings when alleged violations of law are evident.
Local community leaders expressed shock at the events, emphasizing that the Bondo area is otherwise known for its peaceful church congregations. The church’s leadership, which has not been named publicly, issued a brief statement through a spokesperson saying the congregation is “deeply saddened” and is cooperating fully with investigators.
Authorities have indicated that the case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with the four individuals linked to the exorcism likely to face charges of child endangerment and assault, while the 62‑year‑old suspect could be charged under Kenya’s Trafficking in Persons Act if sufficient evidence of trafficking is established.
The incident arrives at a time when Kenya is under international scrutiny for its handling of child‑rights violations. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has urged member states, including Kenya, to strengthen monitoring of religious and cultural practices that may put children at risk. The outcome of the Bondo investigation may therefore influence both national policy and broader regional approaches to safeguarding children from harmful rituals.
