Detectives in Bungoma are holding a 24-year-old Kibabii University student on suspicion of coordinating a syndicate that circulated 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) papers. It is the first publicised exam-leak arrest of this year's written papers, which more than one million candidates are sitting.

Police identified the suspect as John Odhiambo Opiyo. He was arrested on Monday evening, the day candidates sat English and Chemistry. Investigators say they traced the sharing of examination material to him.

Papers allegedly shared on Telegram

Bungoma County Police Commander Omar Rero said officers moved in before the student could pass the papers to other people. According to police, he had 2026 KCSE material that had been shared through Telegram.

Officers recovered a mobile phone they believe was used to circulate the papers. Opiyo is in custody at Bungoma Police Station while detectives prepare an inventory of the evidence, and he is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. He has not been charged, and the allegations have not been tested in court.

Investigators are also looking into suspected malpractice in Garissa and Wajir counties and are still trying to identify the people involved.

KNEC tightens rules on phones and watches

The arrest comes as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) enforces tighter controls at exam centres. KNEC chief executive David Njengere has directed that examination officials switch off their phones and lock them away outside exam rooms for the whole of each paper.

  • Phones must be switched off and kept in lockable lockers outside exam rooms.
  • Candidates and staff may not have phones within reach while a paper is running.
  • In Narok, County Education Director Peter Magiri asked school heads to put wall clocks in exam rooms, warning that smartwatches could be used to cheat.

A record and logistically demanding exam

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said this year's candidature passed one million for the first time, 5.27 per cent more than in 2025. Papers are being administered at more than 10,000 centres. This is the second-last KCSE cohort under the 8-4-4 system.

In North Eastern, Regional Education Director Mohammed Roble said papers would go by road where possible and by helicopter in insecure areas. Security has also been increased around the Dadaab refugee camps of Hagadera, Ifo and Dagahaley.

In Bomet, three candidates are sitting their papers in hospital, including a girl who gave birth on Monday morning, hours before her English paper.

Education officials have repeatedly warned parents, candidates and teachers against buying or sharing papers offered online, saying anyone involved in malpractice will face the law.

Photos: The Eastleigh Voice (KCSE candidates; KNEC CEO David Njengere, via X/KNEC). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.