Police in Jomvu, Mombasa County, have intervened after a woman allegedly stopped her child from taking the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), arguing that the assigned index number was linked to satanic beliefs.

The incident was reported by school officials after the mother declined to let the learner participate in the national assessment, reportedly expressing concern over the number 666.

Jomvu Sub-County Police Commander Celina Chirchir said officers responded to the report by visiting the woman’s residence, where they arrested her.

Following the intervention, police ensured that the child was taken to the examination centre to sit the assessment. The mother was subsequently detained as authorities pursued legal action over the incident.

The case unfolded as thousands of Grade Six learners across Kenya sat their KPSEA examinations, which mark the end of the primary school phase under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The assessment is designed to evaluate learners’ progress before they move to junior school, forming part of the country’s ongoing transition to the CBC education system.