A mother in Jomvu, Mombasa County, has been arrested after allegedly preventing her Grade 6 daughter from sitting the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) over claims that the child's assessment number contained the digits 666.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the second day of the national assessment, which runs from October 26 to 28.

According to the available report, the girl failed to report to her examination centre for the second day of the assessment, prompting concern from school officials.

High Step Academy headteacher Bakari Mweruhe reportedly alerted education authorities and the police after the pupil failed to turn up for her examinations.

A multi-agency team led by Jomvu Sub-County Police Commander Selina Chirchir subsequently visited the family's home to establish why the girl had missed her papers.

Upon arrival, the officers reportedly found the child locked inside a room. The mother allegedly refused to allow her daughter to sit the assessment, insisting that the number 666 was forbidden in the Bible and associated with Satan.

As she was being taken into custody, the mother reportedly maintained that she could not allow her daughter to sit an examination bearing the number.

Police rescued the girl and escorted her to the examination centre, allowing her to continue with the assessment.

The mother was arrested and detained at Jomvu Police Station as authorities pursued the matter over the alleged violation of the child's right to education.

The incident has raised concerns about the impact of religious beliefs and personal convictions on children's access to education, particularly during nationally administered examinations.

KPSEA is a national assessment administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to learners completing Grade 6 under the Competency-Based Curriculum before proceeding to Junior School.

This year's assessment has approximately 1.38 million candidates across the country, making it a significant exercise in Kenya's education calendar.

Assessment numbers are generated through the examination administration system rather than selected by parents. They are used to identify candidates and manage assessment records, meaning parents cannot simply choose a preferred number for their children.

The incident also recalls previous controversies surrounding identification numbers in Kenya, including concerns raised by some religious leaders about the Huduma Namba initiative in 2019.

In another case, Lydia Manyasi Saya was reportedly charged in a Nairobi court in January 2019 over allegations that she denied her children access to education and healthcare because of her religious beliefs.

The Jomvu incident has renewed debate about the balance between parental authority, religious freedom and children's fundamental rights.

While parents have a role in guiding their children's religious upbringing, the law protects every child's right to education. Authorities will now determine the appropriate legal action following the mother's arrest.