A 38-year-old mother in Mombasa County, Kenya, was arrested on Tuesday for blocking her daughter from taking the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exam. The mother allegedly locked her daughter at home, claiming the exam number contained 'satanic' digits, 666. According to the mother, she received instructions from God to prevent her daughter from taking the exam. The mother, who has five children, was taken into custody at Jomvu Police Station.
The incident occurred at the Kwa Jomvu Primary School in Mombasa County. The school's headteacher, Bakari Mwerephe, reported that the student had taken the first day of the exam on Monday but was prevented from continuing by her mother. The mother had called the school, stating that her daughter was not allowed to take the exam due to the 'satanic' numbers. The student's aunt alerted the police and child welfare officials, who intervened and rescued the student at 3:30 am.
The student was escorted to the exam center and allowed to take the test. Mombasa County Police Commander, Selina Chirchir, stated that the officers intervened to protect the child's right to education. The mother's family members reported that they have been struggling with her extreme religious views, which have affected the children. A month ago, the mother was summoned by child welfare officials after being reported for preventing her children from attending school and seeking medical treatment.
The mother is set to undergo a mental health evaluation and will be questioned further before being arraigned in court on charges related to neglect and denying her child the right to education. In a related incident, three female students in Bomet County took their Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams at a hospital. Two of the students had given birth on the first day of the exam, while the third took the exam at Tenwek Hospital after giving birth.
In Nakuru County, 27 students who were not on the official list were allowed to take the exams after National Examination Council (KNEC) officials intervened. The group consisted of 11 KPSEA and 16 KJSEA candidates. However, a KJSEA student at Kionduso PAG School in Kisii County missed the exam after being found to be unregistered. The student's father, Dickson Asiago, called for the Education Ministry to take action against those responsible.
Security has been enhanced in areas prone to banditry in Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Turkana, and Baringo counties to ensure students take their exams without fear. The KPSEA exams are expected to conclude on Thursday, while the KJSEA exams will continue until Friday. The incidents highlight the challenges faced by students and the importance of safeguarding their right to education.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has reported that the exams are proceeding smoothly, with some isolated incidents. The council has urged students and parents to remain calm and focused on the exams. The Ministry of Education has also assured students and parents of their safety and security during the exam period.
Key points
- A 38-year-old mother was arrested in Mombasa County for blocking her daughter from taking a national exam due to 'satanic' numbers in the exam number.
- The mother claimed she received instructions from God to prevent her daughter from taking the exam.
- The incident highlights the challenges faced by students and the importance of safeguarding their right to education.
