Local news – 24.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Community Rally at Napuu

The defense for life campaign meeting was today held at Napuu and Nawoitorong Villages. The rally which was organized by the Reformed Church of East Africa through it's minister who is also the treasurer of NCCK Turkana Central Rev. Samuel Ekales who was accompanied by church leaders, said that the church is against abortion. He said that if the proposed constitution is passed then the doctors, clinical officers, nurses, Patient attendants, Mortuary attendants and even first aid attendants will be allowed by article 26(4) to carry out abortion. Rev. Ekales questioned why the constitution allows Kenyan unborn children to be killed so casually? He says abortion is murder , is illegal and it goes against the 5th commandment of God of thou shall not Kill. He also touched on Article 24(4) on the Kadhi's courts saying that the constitution elevates one religion than the other. Rev. Ekales urges the Christian faithfuls to come up in large numbers and vote No to the proposed new constitution on August 4th and make up a nation founded on Justice . He said that the bible follows justice and justice alone, so that you may live and posses the land that the lord your God is giving you, be just yourself|” Therefore , Rev. Ekales calls upon all people of good will to choose life by rejecting the proposed new constitution come August 4th.

Local news – 24.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Moral case against the proposed constitution

The technical team on the constitution within the Diocese of Lodwar today told people to stop, think and choose life in their talks in Lokichar, Kaaleng and Karoge areas. The team which is out on the defense of life campaign throughout the diocese said today in their forum in Lokichar Parish that the constitution is the supreme law,which When it changes, there will be substantial changes in all the laws in this country. They said the Acts of parliament will have to change, and that Judges will interpret the constitution in ways that develop the law and bring even more changes. The facilitators of the day highlighted on areas why the catholic church says no to the proposed new constitution. They gave the three principles on why the church says NO ,being the right to life where they talked on abortion which they said will become accessible virtually on demand with government funding. They added that it is a fundamental issue that affects our society's respect for life and it will destroy the life of the unborn. The team said it is important to get everything right, from the outset. The team quoted the scripture which says that before God formed us in the womb He knew us, and before we were born he consecrated us, God appointed us prophets to the nation. The other thing mentioned by the team is the principles of equality where one religion is elevated than others and eventually the dignity of the human person which the constitution provides various rights without reflecting on the need for a proper balance between rights and moral norms. The team concluded their talks by saying that the only way to stop this is to vote No to the proposed constitution on August 4th 2010.

Local news – 22.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Defence of life talk at Kalokol Parish

The Diocesan team which deals with choose life campaign held a talk at St. Mary's kalokol Parish today. Addressing the Parishioners Fr. Jacob Lolelea who was accompanied By Mr. David Ekai, and Mr. Philip Lobur informed the Christians the stand of the church on the constitution. He said that the interest of the Moral majority will not be catered for in the proposed constitution.The team went further mentioning article 26(4) , 43(1a) and 2(5,6). They said that abortion will become accessible virtually on demand, with government funding. This is a fundamental issue that affects our society's respect of life. It will destroy life of our unborn, It will harm women , It will harm doctors, It will harm men and It will harm our entire society. Fr. Jacob Lolelea also talked on the principles of equality Article 24(4), 170). He said that the constitution gives special treatment to Muslims and establishes religious courts for them( Kadhis' courts) to the exclusion of other religious groups. He said that this amounts to elevation of one religion over another. He added that Laws applicable only to one segment of the population should not be found in the constitution, but in acts of parliament. He said that the Constitution is the supreme law that should apply to everyone equally. Rev. Jacob Lolelea also talked on the dignity of the human person (chapter 4 on the bill of rights), he said the constitution provides various rights without reflecting on the need for a proper balance between rights and moral norms. The team called upon the Christian faithfuls to Vote NO to the proposed new constitution come August 4th.

Local news – 20.7.10 - By Mary Tioko -Social Audit Training Held at St. Teresa

The Catholic Justice and peace commission under the governance and accountability programmer officer Mr. Christopher Ekaru Losiapat has today organized a workshop which is aimed at equipping people with knowledge on devolved funds. The workshop which has drawn 30 participants from the Loima, Turkana south and Turkana East districts will run for four days. The workshop is facilitated by TISA CONSULTANTS ( Kitale municipal LASDAP and Desk office, The pro-gramme co- coordinator for Human rights and civic education in Mwingi Mrs, Florence Ndeti and Local authority service delivery action plan LATIF (LASDAP) officer Mr. Samwel Simiyu Okema. The workshop which is funded by Trocaire aims at over viewing the decentralized funds , understanding procurement records, mainstreaming good governance and public accountability among the diocesan, Christian, and non- Christian communities for the three districts mentioned. Understanding CDF, LATF, and LASDAP procurements, introducing social audit concept and methodologies, understanding project lists and project files, and accountability standards for local developments. The workshop is characterized by field exposure visit project for fast – hand experience on social audit.

Local news – 19.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - ABSTAIN TILL MARRIAGE : SAYS AUXILARY BISHOP.

His Lordship yesterday had a forum with the students and pupils of schools within Kakuma on the defense of life talk. Speaking in Kakuma our lady's girls secondary in company of the technical team from the diocese for defense of life, His lordship advised the students and pupils to protect life and guard it from destruction. He said abortion is a crime and it is against the 5th commandment of God which says 'thou shall not kill'. He said that bad things happen after abortion which destroy life . He advised the students to be careful and Study hard, pass well and go to college and when time comes for marriage will be the first person to bless them in the sacrament of matrimony to live in peace than doing things prematurely. The bishop told the students to wait until their time comes and they will enjoy life.When someone gets pregnant in marriage life is proud. He wished them the best in their studies and colleges. Bishop Dominic Kimengich told them to be serious in their moral life and that they should not waste their time destroying their dignity. He warned them of Dropping out of school due to pregnancies as that will spoil their education and later their lives in general. The Bishop asked the girls and boys to be young people of integrity , values and raise the country Kenya. He encouraged them to stick to the faith and pray that they may not enter into temptations. He told them to be firm and focused in their lives. He encouraged them to Pray for each other to be people of good morals, Choose life and not death. He later on encouraged them to create awareness to the communities back home to Vote No to the proposed new constitution come August 4th.

local news - 19.7.10By - Mary Tioko - Priest celebrate holy mass with diocesan staff.

The almighty father is asking all of us in our different capacities to Act justly, Love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. These words of Christ were echoed by Fr. John Kizito manzi during his homily at the Diocesan staff mass held at St. Thomas Chapel Lodwar today. Speaking during the homily, Fr. Manzi elaborated on the 3 pillars saying that Christ entrusts us to act justly in all our activities. He said that justice entails giving a person what he/she deserves , giving an example of the constitution , Fr. Manzi said that life is a gift from God and he informed those who intend to destroy life to protect it and give the unborn children what is rightly theirs-' Life'. Fr.manzi added that God has given us the intelligence of protecting life in his ministry. He also added that love of God is given to us freely and people should not look for companionships in places of work but know that God is with them to help them accomplish their tasks. He warned the staff not to look for signs in all that they do or compliments as signs will appear for themselves when we know that we are doing the right thing and the marks can remain as a sign ! He went further explaining on the intention of God saying that God wants us to do ordinary things in an extra-ordinary way. He said we are instruments of evangelism and that the conviction that God is with us gives us the will to go ahead.Fr.manzi encouraged the staff to instill the three virtues of Acting Justly, Loving tenderly and walking humbly with their God in their lives. He asked God to give the staff strength to begin the ministry as Christ says that he will show his salvation to the upright'.

Local news - 17.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Hon David Ekwee Ethuro Tournament cup preparations

The preparations for the Hon. David Ekwee Ethuro football tournament cup for the various football teams kicked today at Prisons Field Lodwar. These tournament is scheduled to take place on the 24th July, 2010. These preparations are taking serious friendly matches at Prisons field in Lodwar. Today Islamic and Earth- movers under 17 years youth today played at the prisons field . The Loyopo and Kalokol football teams took each other on the same field on friendly basis all to prepare to win the trophy on the 24th July 2010. Various teams are preparing hard by involving each other on the friendly matches.

Local news – 18.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - National prayer day for the defence for Life in Kakuma Parish.

The diocesan steering committee for the defense of life campaign was today taken to kakuma parish.The committee which was comprising a team of six experts from the diocese of lodwar included the Rt. Rev. Bishop Dominic Kimengich who was the main celebrant,assisted by Fr. Jacob Lolelea, Fr. Damien Eripon, Mr. Ekai James of Justice and Peace, Mrs. Eunice Majuma Masika, Evangeline Munyi from communications department and Mary Tioko from Radio Akicha. The assistant Parish Priest Fr. Samuel yego welcomed the team and invited the faithfuls for the special day of prayer for the constitution .The team from Lodwar showed the faithfuls of 1st and 2nd mass the Video on Abortion and various explanation on defence for life followed. The colorful celebration which was animated by the Catholic teachers within Kakuma parish received the talk with a lot of Passion as it dealt with the Moral aspect of the church. Speaking during the homily Bishop Dominic Kimengich said that this special prayer is for the divisions in our constitution and thus the church has decided to pray for it. He stressed that The Bishops of catholic church have spoken and urged the faithfuls to follow their stand on the proposed new constitution. The stand is No and the Bishop encourages the faithfuls to follow the will of God. The Bishop said that life begins at conception and ends at natural death. Nobody has a right to take away life for the 5th commandment says' thou shall not kill'. The Bishop posed a question to the teachers who led mass asking them whether they were teachers who are catholics or Catholics who are teachers? He said the catholic faith comes first in all we do. He encouraged faithfuls to examine their conscience and make good decision in defending life in the proposed new constitution.

Local news – 16.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Mr. Egialan and Ekaale win Kokuro and Lokitaung By Election

By - elections of councilors was undertaken on 12th july 2010 at Lokitaung and Kokuro wards in the North, after vacancies in the two wards due to the death of Councilor Mr. Alex Epungurei through a car accident and Mr. Joshua Ewoi who succumbed to illness. The Elections took place after intense campaigns from all party candidates who contested so as to woe voters. Voting took place on 12th July 2010 at Kokuro and Lokitaung wards.
Speaking in his IIEC office in Lodwar, the Constituency election co-coordinator for Turkana North, Mr. Paul Chemtut, said that the election was characterized by complains of Buying votes by different party activists and Transportation of Voters from various polling stations to others. Talking to Akicha reporter in his office, Mr.Paul Chemtut added that these complains had no proof as this took place behind their backs.
Total votes casted were 1186 and 3 rejected ones. The contesters were, Mr. Michael Egialan Ekwar of Ford Kenya (757), Mr. Lokure of United Democratic Movement UDM (175), Mr. Josphat Lokapitei of Nation Vision Party NVP (10), Mr. Eram Ekaale of ODM (41). The winners of these elections were , Mr. Michael Egialan Ekwar of Kokuro ward of Ford Kenya by gathering 757 total votes against his opponents' and Mr. Josphat Ekaale Lomilo of Ford Kenya won by 818 votes to acquire the Lokitaung seat.
Speaking during the announcement of the results, the Ford Kenya councilor, Mr. Lucas Eleyo thanked the people of Kokuro and Lokitaung wards for voting peacefully and adding the numbers of ford Kenya Councilors. He appreciated the Constituency election co-coordinator of Turkana North Mr. Paul Chemtut for successful voting exercise

Local news – 12.7.10 - By Mary Tioko - Diocesan Staff called to commit themselves to helping others.

The Diocesan staff were today encouraged to cultivate a heart of helping one another in a mass which was held at st. Thomas Chapel. Speaking during his Homily Fr. John Kizito Manzi told the staff to show their Christianity in all that they do whether in their offices or in the field. Rev. John Manzi explaining on the readings of the day said that Christians always glorify the cross but Jesus never did that but instead fought injustices. He warned the faithfuls to be aware of joy of the world as Christ will elevate them through their good deeds. He encouraged the staff to transform the community from suffering to freedom of Christ through the various activities done in their various departments . He encouraged the staff to have a seal for self sacrifice so as to be more fulfilled in their duties .He also warned them against the sin of omission which is bad and encouraged them to follow the footsteps of Christ and bring change in a gentle, honest,and faithful way and in that their joy will be full. He assured them of the presence of Christ in their midst and said that Christ is always accompanying them in their difficulties in transforming the community.

Local news - 13.7.10 - By Peter Lokatur - Conflict Resolution Workshop for central deanery Held at St. Teresa.

The central deanery workshop has today marked its second at St. Teresa Pastoral centre for the representatives from Parishes within the Central Deanery. The workshop which is organized by the dean Fr. Oliver Nornon from Turkwel Parish is facilitated by a team from Shalom Centre For Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) led by Fr. Patrick Devine. The function is running for three days today being its second day and ending tomorrow, the 14th July 2010. The main objectives of the training, are to train community leaders in conflict transformation, causes of conflicts, To influence national development policy towards the regions affected by conflict between pastoralists communities, To strengthen the role of the church, civic organizations, and NGOs in Conflict transformation in northwestern Kenya. Speaking during the workshop today, Bishop Dominic Kimeng'ich called upon all the participants to embrace peace and make available to all the communities more especially those in conflict prone areas. He went on and thanked the Shalom Research Centre for being concerned with the people of Northwestern Kenya. Kanamkemer Parish, Nakwamekwei, Turkwel, and St. Augustine's Cathedral Parishes are represented.

The International Organization for migration (I.O.M) Doctors today treated the community members of Ngasenon village in Lodwar. The community members with various disease were subjected to screening and those found to be sick were given drugs. The Doctors that were accompanied by the councilors and the area chiefs who witnessed the talks.They taught the community members on how to prevent the water borne diseases and safe food handling practices. The people who had a chance of meeting the doctors were given Antibiotics for treating communicable disease and were encouraged to maintain hygiene. The doctors will be moving from one village to another where people will need their help. The mobile doctors avail the education and drugs for free and thus encourage people to come in large numbers to attend the talks and get medical care.

LOCAL NEWS - 11.07.10 - Confirmations at St.Gabriel Kangatosa parish - By Mary Tioko.

The Christian community of St.Gabriel Kangatosa Parish today received the sacrament of confirmation in a colorful celebration animated by His lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich and Fr.Damien Eripon. The 284 Christians drawn from all the five outstations of Kangatosa Parish received the sacrament of confirmation. These include the Natiir outstation (65), Naoros (60), Kangatosa(74), Akatuman(22), Katagilae(43) and Kangagetei (20). Each station accompanied by the chairperson , Mr. Mike Ekiru, Mrs. Esther Ekiru, Mr.Dominic Losike, Mr.William Nakeor, Mr. James payan, Mrs. Christine Are respectively. The parish council chairman Mr. Johnson Ekwaar reported that the Parish was officially opened by His Lordship Bishop Patrick Harrington on 23rd September 2007 as a project of St.Gabriel which is a small Christian community of St.Augustine's Cathedral Parish Lodwar. In his homily His Lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich commented in the readings of the day saying that they touched on the life of human beings. He said that God has given us an opportunity to choose life and not death. He encouraged the faithfuls to love one another and help them as Christians. He also echoed the stand of the catholic church on the new proposed constitution saying it is faulty as it permits abortion which is killing and is against the 5th commandments of thou shall not kill and thus advised the Christians to reject it and vote NO come August 4th. His lordship explaining why the church says NO saying that life is sacred and precious as it is a gift from God and no one has a right to take it away until natural death. He encouraged all those confirmed to keep their faith and guard it well from the evil one. He also commented on the development of the area encouraging the community members to be inquisitive on how the CDF funds are used. The community experience poor service delivery from the local authority. The Kangatosa community complained of lack of water, poor markets for their basketry and lack of Transport as the people depend on the Parish Vehicle as the only source of transport in the area. The parish priest Fr. Philip Lotiman thanked the bishop, and Fr.Damien Eripon for visiting his parish and increasing the Christian community through confirmations.

LOCAL NEWS – 10.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - JOURNALISM CLUB VISIT AKICHA FM RADIO STATION

The students from Salvation Army Nawoitorong secondary school belonging to the Journalism Club today visited Akicha Radio for the educative talks from Presenters and the management. The students were 15 in number and had an objective of getting exposure on Media in general. They raised various questions concerning Mass communication and the areas of presentation. The presenters on duty by the time Peter Esinyen and Teresa Kachila explained on audio production and mass communication.The students were on the learning experience so as to choose wisely their careers. The presenters also taught them on various sections in communication, saying that Some of them can venture into different field as in reporting, news anchoring, News Editing, Marketing, Programming and presenting. The students expressed gratitude to the management of Radio Akicha for giving them an opportunity for learninng more about the communication through Radio . They expressed the interest in communication . The team was accompanied by their chief executive officer of the Club (CEO) Mr. Ekwafi muya Charles

LOCAL NEWS – 10.7.10 - BY PETER LOKATUR - TURKANA YOUTH TAKE LEAD IN PROMOTING PEACE.

A group of youth led by the Turkana region sports chairman Mr. Patrick Njoroge has left for Moroto in Uganda for a peace mission. The group comprising of two re-known artists from Turk land wisdom records Lodwar, and Lodwar- based basketball players has landed in Uganda today, and is expected to promote peace and good coexistence between the youth in the two countries, more especially those in the Kenya – Uganda boarder.
After the game, Akidah and Ibruh will be performing. The two artist will be emphasizing the nature of peace between the two countries and the importance of peaceful co-existence between the Ngiturkana and the Karamoja of Uganda in their songs. The event was organized by the region sports officials in Turkana, in collaboration with some peace- initiating, Non Governmental Organizations in Lodwar. We wish nice stay in Moroto ans safe back home.

LOCAL NEWS - 09.07.10 - BY PETER ESINYEN - SPORTS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS KICKS OFF.

Schools from the larger Turkana today had a colorful beginning of the day as they meet from the ends of Turkana for regional sport.Sports that aims in promoting peace and unity within Turkana schools. Turkana south represented by AGC Lokichar, St.Francis Xavier ( katilu boys), Lokori high and Kangitit girls.Turkana north represented buy st. leo boys, our ladies girls, tarach and lokitaung high.Lodwar high, St. Kevin, Moi high and Turkana girls defending turkana central. In the beginning of the matches this morning, in lodwar mixed grounds, Lokitaung high beat Moi high school 3-1. qualifying to meet Lokori, Lokitaung still showed their spirit beating Lokori 3-1 in the same field. In prison ground, S.A Nawoitorong qualified for final after beating the popular Turkana champions St.leo boys 3-2. still on football grounds, Turkana south, Kangitit girls kept their football flag high beating St. kevin 3-1 gaining 3 point to 0 point over St,kevin.In St.Marys primary volleyball field, A.G.C Lokichar won 3 sets to Lodwar high school under the best of five. In the evening kangitit girls are expected to meet Turkana girls in St. Kevin football ground as S A Nawoitorong meet with St. Kevin in prison ground.

LOCAL NEWS – 27.6.10 - JESUS CHRIST CALLS US TO FREEDOM TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THING - BY MARY TIOKO

Christian faithfuls of St.Augustine's Cathedral Lodwar today received homily from Fr.Francis Teo who elaborated on the days readings and gave example of the authority and power of Elija who called Elisha and gave him all his authority and immediately replaced him but Jesus calls us to freedom and He still has the authority as he is the one that was , is now and shall be. Christ calls us not to replace him but to be his followers. When christ freed us he wanted us to be free from all bad things and always choose to do the right things in our lives. All of us desire freedom in our lives. Youth also need freedom and in this, parents always restrict them because sometimes they end up choosing wrong things. Sometimes in our relationship we want freedom .Even priests want freedom from their Bishops but they are loyal to them. Now, the question we are supposed to ask ourselves is freedom from what and why we want it for? He said that In the standards of the world freedom means a lot . Fr. Francis Teo gave the christians an example of the new proposed constitution where people want to be left free to decide on what they want to do with their bodies to an extend of wanting to legalise abortion forgeting that their bodies are temples of the Lord. He continued to inform the congregation on the stand of the Church on Abortion saying it is “NO” and encouraged the faithfuls to stand and defend life by Voting against it come August 4th. He said that most people perform abortion for the fear of responsibility , shame and guilt. The standards of the world entails all this and that is why they use short cuts to terminate life of new born babies through abortion. He emphasized that the freedom we need should not create division, wars, hatred, Guilt, e.t.c. But should help us to do good. He finished by saying that God calls us to freedom to do good things always. Let us reflect on this call of Jesus to do good to avoid sin and evil in our day to day lives. AMEN.

LOCAL NEWS – 5.7.2010 - THE DIOCESAN STAFF RECEIVE BLESSINGS FROM THE AUXILARY BISHOP - BY MARY TIOKO

The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar staff today held a prayer day at St. Thomas Chapel. The Prayer day which was organized by Fr. Cosmas Longor and animated by Himself and the Auxilary Bishop Dominic Kimengich is scheduled to be taking place every monday of every week is to kick start the week for the staff as they are doing the work of Christ on Behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese. The staff who came from all the Departments participated in the lively mass which was the first one to take place for the Diocesan staffs and the subsequent days to follow. Speaking during his Homily The Auxilary Bishop Dominic Kimengich said that the work done by the staff needed the guidance of God and thus the staff have to implement the mission of the church and not their own missions. The Bishop also advised all those in authority to use their abilities for the Glory of God and do as God expects of them with honesty, integrity, faithfulness just as the father in heaven is faithful in his promises to us. Commenting on the Constitution, the Rt Rev. Dominic Kimengich cautioned the personnel to take into account the stand of the church of defending life. He told them to continue creating awareness to all the people so as they choose life as they are the voice of the voiceless in the community. He called them to show christ in all their work as they minister to the people of God through the various activities undertaken in various departments and God will bless them.