{
  "id": 13642778,
  "title": "Siaya church ritual: Two children moved to Kisumu as police eye more arrests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/siaya-church-ritual-two-children-moved-to-kisumu-as-police-eye-more",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T04:49:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/siaya-church-ritual-two-children-moved-to-kisumu-as-police-eye-more-arrests"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two children, aged three and five, suffered injuries during a suspected exorcism ritual at a church in Bondo, Siaya County. The incident occurred at St Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Ogago village, where four children were reportedly burned. Two of the children have been transferred to Kisumu for further medical care, while authorities are exploring the possibility of arresting the parents of the other two children involved. Police Commissioner Stephen Osoi revealed that four persons of interest were initially arrested, with the 85-year-old suspect, Gaudenpsia Juma, released due to her advanced age. The Israel Assemblies of God Church, which joined its umbrella body in June 2026, stated that the individual who conducted the exorcism was not authorized to perform such activities. The church emphasized that they do not endorse the misuse of religious practices and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The incident raises concerns about child protection and the conduct of religious activities, particularly in light of recent cases involving vulnerable individuals.",
  "summary": "Two children injured during a suspected exorcism ritual at a church in Bondo, Siaya County, have been moved to Kisumu for further treatment as police intensify investigations into the incident. The children, aged three and five, were among four children reportedly burnt during the ritual at St Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church in Ogago […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Two children aged three and five injured in suspected exorcism ritual.",
    "Four children burned at St Abraham Israel Assemblies of God Church.",
    "Police eye more arrests, released 85-year-old suspect Gaudenpsia Juma."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The transfer of the two injured children to Kisumu and potential arrest of their parents marks a shift in the response to the suspected exorcism ritual, highlighting authorities' focus on accountability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}