A Christian preacher who believes in witches is due to speak at the ExCeL tonight at an event campaigners say “insults the memory” of a boy killed in Newham in an “exorcism” by his sister.

Pastor Daniel Olukoya from Nigeria will address 20,000 Christians through a live broadcast from America at the “Deliverance, Prayerquake and Annointing Service” event at the ExCeL that promises “healing and salvation”.

But human rights campaigners say Olukoya’s promotion of the need to “destroy the ministry of witchcraft” in his books and through his Mountain of Fire and Miracles churches could threaten the safety of black children in Newham.

The council has also voiced concerns about tonight’s event.

Kristy Bamu died in 2010 age 15 after being tortured and drowned by his sister Magalie Bamu and her partner Eric Bikubi who believed he was “possessed” by witchcraft. The pair, then aged 29 and 28 and from Hathaway Crescent, Manor Park, were convicted and jailed for life in 2012.

The government issued a National Action Plan on faith and belief-based child abuse that year following this and other high profile cases, like the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000.

Leo Igwe, a human rights activist who rescues people accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, said: “At a time that authorities in the UK are trying to contain and stamp out witch-hunting, following the murder of children for witchcraft in black communities, hosting a pastor with a mission to destroy ‘the ministry of witchcraft’ does a great disservice to the country and insults the memory of Victoria Climbie, Kristy Bamu and other victims of witchcraft and exorcism-related abuse in black communities.”

Pastor Olukoya’s books and his church’s websites say witchcraft must be fought and “overcome”, with prayers held at its branch in Houston, Texas, to “destroy the covens of witchcraft”.

One of his online prayers said: “Oh Lord, make me an instrument of spiritual violence. ... let every inherited seat of witchcraft at present working against my life, be roasted by fire... every witchcraft coven calling my name for evil be destroyed by fire in the name of Jesus.”

When contacted by the Recorder about Olukoya’s views on witchcraft, a UK spokesman for his church said: “I’m sorry but I can’t talk about that.” He declined to respond further and hung up the phone.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell added: “It is shocking that many thousands of UK Christians apparently support this preacher. His diatribes against witchcraft help sustain irrational, prejudiced beliefs.

“These beliefs can lead to the brutalisation of children, mostly within black communities, who are mistakenly believed to be possessed.”

A Newham Council spokeswoman said: “We would have concerns about these events taking place in the borough and would work with partners to ensure the safety and security of our children.

“Following the tragic death of Kirsty Bamu, we worked to capture any learning and work with our local community to raise awareness of abuse linked to belief systems.”

A spokesperson for the ExCeL said: “As a venue, we accept all nature of exhibitions, conferences and events and require them to adhere to domestic and international law and comply with all appropriate regulations, as set out by the relevant authorities.”