Police Forced to Close Church After Unusual Prayer Sessions

Police officers and children’s department officials have arrested four people following an incident that happened at a church in Bondo, Siaya County.

According to reports, the incident happened at St. Abraham Israel Assemblies of God. This led to arrest of the suspects after authorities intervened over allegations involving young children who had been taken to the church for prayers.

According to a report aired on Friday, October 9, children aged between five and six years were allegedly burned with hot water during a prayer session. Those involved reportedly claimed they were trying to cast out evil spirits from the children.

One of the mothers said she had taken her child, a Grade Two learner, to the church for prayers, expecting the child to receive spiritual help.

She explained that she was informed that the children needed to be cleansed of evil spirits. After removing her child’s clothes as instructed, she allegedly watched as the child was washed with hot water.

The mother was left distressed by what happened to her child. Images aired in the report showed injuries allegedly sustained by the young children.

Before his arrest, one of the church leaders reportedly spoke about the practice, claiming that he had several churches where similar activities were carried out.

A children’s officer who intervened in the matter said the church owner had explained that they washed children with hot water to remove evil spirits.

The officer condemned the practice, warning religious leaders against exposing children to dangerous acts under the guise of spiritual healing. The officer stressed that churches should be places of worship and safety, not places where people are subjected to harm.

Police and children’s officers rescued three children who had allegedly suffered abuse. Four suspects were arrested and detained at Bondo Police Station as investigations continued. Authorities also ordered the closure of the church.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BfiXkYD98/

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