KEN SIMIYU Governor Nanok Urges Leaders to Have Hope for Peace

Turkan County governor, Josphat Nanok has urged leaders in the county to have hope and continue pressing on towards achievement of peace with the neighboring West Pokot County

Nanok said this during the peace meeting at Eliye Springs which involved county leadership, Members of County Assembly, leaders of the Catholic Church among other leaders from national government and NGOs

Nanok added that more than 110 people have fallen victims of the border conflicts and soon after we have settled everything and achieved peace the national government will be facing court cases to compensate raid victims.

On the other hand Bishop Cornelius Korir of catholic diocese of Eldoret who is also the chairman of peace building urged the leaders of Turkana County to unite and dialogue with Pokot leaders to end the killing of innocent people

Bishop Korir however added that since they began the journey of peace building and mitigation they have also been pushing the government to put measures in place towards its achievement and so far the clearing of  the bush from Marich to Kainuk is going on to wipe out the hideouts and also there is an armored vehicle patrolling along Kitale-Lodwar Highway.

Bishop Dominick Kimengich called on the leaders especially MCAs  to lower their anger and support bishop Cornelius Korir in marching towards peace as no one will be happy  if his or her people die, it’s painful and the only way towards peace is for us all to embrace peace and embrace the process as we are  directly communicating  to the people affected in the process.

The peace process is aimed creating peaceful coexistence in the Pokot-Turkana corridor a border faced with a series of raids and banditry with most victims being women and children amid loss of many livestock and lives.

By Mary Tioko Fr. Ajiri informs Christians of St. Augustine’s Church that their mission as Christians is to serve God.

Fr. Isaiah Ajiri who is the assistant priest of St. Augustine’s cathedral parish  during mass reminded Christians that their main mission here on earth is to serve God their creator. Fr. Ajiri said this during his homily at cathedral parish as Christians reflect over their various vocations and calls in life.

Fr. Ajiri said that Christians need to be sincere with their bodies and put into mind that they are the temples of the holy spirit thus need to live meaningfully life to attain eternal life. Fr. Ajiri said that people are called each day in various circumstances but they do not realize that. Just like Samwel in the readings who was called by God three times and thought it was his father Eli, Fr. Ajiri said that people also mistake the call of God and need to pray hard so as he reveals himself to them so as they know God’s plan to them in their lives.

Fr. Ajiri encouraged Christians to take their individual calls or vocations with no regrets and be responsible in implementing what God calls them to do. He urged them to be ready to witness the word of God as prophets through their baptism and listen to God’s Voice and not the voices of the world.

BY KEN SIMIYU ONE PERSON CONFIRMED DEAD AND 5 OTHERS INJURED AFTER DAYAH BUS ATTACK AT LAMI NYEUSI

A middle aged woman from Kaputir lost her life after a bus belonging to Dayah Company was attacked today at 11 am in Lami nyeusi by bandits believed to be from Pokot County. The Dayah 207 was heading to kitale from Lodwar town when it was attacked by 7 bandits armed with AK 47 rifles about 2 kilometres from Kainuk trading centre. The driver of the bus tried speeding off and the bandits started spraying the bus with bullets and in the process they shot the woman on the head killing her on the spot and injuring 5 other passengers.

Confirming the incident Turkana central OCPD Joel Kirui who was among the passengers said when the bus reached Lami Nyeusi a few kilometres after Kainuk 2 men armed with AK47 riffles ordered the Bus to stop and asked for water and within a short time 5 other people came from the bush also armed with AK47.                                        

Turkana South MP James Lomenen has urged the central government to deploy more security officers as the road is not safe. Lomenen added that in the last few weeks people have been attacked on the Lodwar-Kitale highway and said that if the government does not intervene then the road will be closed down.

On the other hand Segere ward MCA in Pokot County Thomas Ng’olasia has called upon all the leaders from Pokot and Turkana County to unite together to find amicable way of solving insecurity issues.

The road is still under tension and the MP is urging vehicles operators to cease the journey due to insecurity crisis. 

KEN SIMIYU GOVERNOR NANOK COMMISSIONS KALOKOL WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

Governor Josphat Nanok yesterday commissioned the Kalokol water supply project in Kalokol town, Turkana central sub-county. The Governor was accompanied by water executive Beatrice Askul, energy and environment county executive Rhoda Loyor, Kalokol ward MCA John Lochakolong and other senior county staffs. The project which is estimated to cost Sh. 2 million will see the 15,000 residents of Kalokol benefit with more than 288,000 litres of water every day.

Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Nanok said the project has attracted the attention of Oxfam, who have now decided to install solar panels to help in pumping water from the borehole.

Water and agriculture county executive Beatrice Askul urged Kalokol residents to install water taps so that they can easily control the flow of water hence reducing the wastage.

Kalokol MCA John Lochakolong expressed his happiness and thanked the ministry for the great job however he wasn’t happy about contracts being given to contractors outside his region.

The water supply project is expected to greatly reduce water shortages in the area, a challenge they have being facing for a very long time.

ROBERT KARIUKI FUNDING CHALLENGES PROMPTS NADIRKONYEN CHILDRENS’ HOME TO REDUCE ANNUAL INTAKE

Nadirkonyen children’s’ home has reduced its annual intake of street children from 65 to 45 due to financial challenges it is currently going through. It is now 24 years since the pioneering institution was set up and is still going strong though financial problems are now dragging its operations. A total of 1200 street kids have gone through the institution since its formation in 1991 and some of the alumni are working in main public offices all over the country.

Speaking to Radio Akicha at his office, Nadirkonyen children’s’ home founder Hans Wennekes said the children all converge at the institution during the holidays yet they don’t get supply of food during that time making it difficult to maintain them.

Governor Nanok last visited the institution on December 2013 and promised to provide any necessary support needed but this is yet to be seen.

ROBERT KARIUKI LOKWADATA PRIMARY SCHOOL BENEFITS WITH 2 CLASSROOMS AND 50 DESKS

Lokwadata primary school in Turkana south sub-county has benefited with 2 classrooms and 50 desks which were provided by the constituency development funds. Both the structure and the facilities were handed over to the school head teacher Eliud Ekiru by Turkana south CDF chairman Rev. Peter Lodio today after a long wait.

Speaking during the handing over, Lokwadata primary school head master Eliud Ekiru said the school which has a population of 322 pupils had no structures before and lessons used to be taken under trees.

Also speaking when handing over, Turkana south CDF chair Peter Lodio said the project will greatly benefit the scholars and the community at large.

AGC secondary school Lokichar also benefited with 2 classrooms constructed by the CDF and the principal, Mrs. Leah Losiru said what prompted the addition of classrooms was the growing number of enrollment.

It was however noted that many schools in the region lack toilets and both teachers and scholars are forced to seek other unacceptable methods to curb the shortage.

KEN SIMIYU JULUK RESIDENTS URGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT A BRIDGE ACROSS RIVER TURKWEL

Juluk residents in Turkana south sub-county have now urged the county government to construct a bridge for them which will link Juluk, Lokwar, Kapelibok and Nakwamoru villages to Katilu, Kaptir and Nabeiye centers. Residents of Juluk village are forced to cross the dangerous waters of River Turkwel each and every time they go looking for services and other commodities in the centers. The residents of those villages are now crying unto the county government to save the situation which has been trailing them for a long time.

Apart from just facing a huge challenge of transportation, the area is also very insecure and constant raids makes living in the region more difficult and which is also killing development. According to Turkana south CDF chair Rev Peter Emeri said contractors fear losing their lives when they are working in the area because of the high rate of insecurity.

He also added that transporting materials from the centers to the other side of the villages is expensive. The chair said this while touring Nachoke primary school in Juluk where the development funds constructed toilets, a fence and other facilities.

ROBERT KARIUKI WATER AND AGRICULTURE MINISTRY HANDS OUT 8 GENERATOR SETS TO VARIOUS WARDS

Turkana county ministry of water, irrigation and agriculture led by executive in charge Beatrice Askul today handed over 8 generator sets to various wards which will be used to pump water. The executive handed over 8 gen sets while at her ministerial office in Kanamkemer to add on to the 7 previously given out taking the tally to 15 generators sets. Some of the areas likely to benefit with the generator sets are Lokichar, Katilu, Nakwamoru, Lobei, Lorugum, Lokitaung, Lowareng’ak and Lokori. The cost of the 15 generator sets tallied up to Sh. 14 million.

Speaking when handing over the generator sets to ward representatives, water and agriculture county executive Beatrice Askul said they sampled some areas where the generators were old and out of service and decided to replace them with new gen sets.

She added that there are targeted areas like Kapedo, Lobei, Turkwel and Nadapal which will also likely to benefit with the gen sets that will be procured in the near future. 

LOCAL NEWS ROBERT KARIUKI 21-1-2015 MORE THAN 100 YOUTHS TURN UP FOR THE WORK ACQUIRING SKILLS PROGRAMME AT THE BISHOP MAHON CENTRE

More than 100 youths from 24 parishes in Turkana county turned up today at the Bishop Mahon centre in Lodwar town for the work acquiring skills programme (WASP) which is organized by the diocesan youth empowerment programme. The training will be going on for the next 3 days while the programme will be on until November when the participants who are mostly form four leavers will begin joining higher learning institutions.

Francis Ekai, the deputy coordinator youth programme said the objectives of the programme is to investigate job opportunities for the young people and to help them network with professionals in various fields among other objectives.

He is expecting the participants to be knowledgeable and skilled in their fields of interest at the end of the programme.

Celina Nanyoit from St. Augustine parish said the programme will be beneficial to them especially when it comes to self development and socializing with people.

The programme will greatly help in keeping the youths occupied as they wait to join a higher level of education.

ROBERT KARIUKI RIFTVALLEY WATER BOARD PRESENTS WATER TANKERS TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT

The rift valley water board services  presented 2 water tankers each with a capacity of 16,000 cubic meters to the county government. Rift valley water board C.E.O Japheth Mutai handed over the sh. 22 million worth tankers to the deputy governor, Peter Ekai and the executive in charge of water services Beatrice Askul at the Governor’s office quarters.

Speaking when presenting the tankers, Rift valley water board CEO Japheth Mutai said that this is part of the project funded by the World Bank which is aimed at improving provision of water services. He added that those similar projects are going on in other counties prone to water shortages like west pokot.

Deputy Governor, Peter Ekai appreciated the task done by the board and hinted that the county government plans to purchase 2 other water tankers which will be in place soon.

Water and irrigation county executive Beatrice Askul said the tankers have come at the right moment when drought is hitting the region.

Water from the Napuu aquifer will start benefiting the residents of Lodwar town suburbs.

ROBERT KARIUKI 2 INJURED AND 326 SHOATS STOLEN IN TODAY’S RAID AT NAKWAMORU SUB-LOCATION

2 people including a national reservist police were injured in today’s 11 am attack at Nawoyaregae in Nakwamoru sub location of Kaputir location, Turkana south sub-county. About 70 bandits believed to be from Pokot county raided the village today and managed to overpower more than 20 national reservist police thus escaping with 326 shoats. The shoats are believed to be belonging to 8 families living in the area and they were driven towards Takaywa, Kaarun and Kasses.

Kaptir location chief, Charles Lopuya said they tried resisting the attack but they were overpowered by the high number of the bandits.

He added that the government should beef up security in the area so that the farmers, teachers and scholars can be safe.

The injured were taken to Kaptir health centre as they wait to be referred to the Lodwar county and referral hospital. The region is still under tension with the residents fearing that the bandits will be back. 

ROBERT KARIUKI SAVE THE CHILDREN AND PARTNERS INDUCE WOMEN AND CHILDREN HEALTH PROGRAMME

Save the children, Turkana county government and UNICEF have induced a one year health programme which is targeting women and children in the community. The inception programme is aimed at reducing the rate of women and children deaths caused by complications related to child birth. Representatives from all 3 key partners were converged at the St. Teresa pastoral centre today as they introduced the project and were taken through the scope of the project among other details.

Save the children health and nutrition programme manager, Lutomia Mangala said that they will be giving trainings to community health volunteers so that they can be strengthened on ways to manage common childhood diseases.

The programme which is being funded by the UK department for international development also aims at encouraging mothers to deliver in hospitals and other health facilities because a high number of mothers in the region still deliver at home hence they are exposed to dangerous situations.

KEN SIMIYU 2 PEOPLE MISSING, 120 GOATS STOLEN FOLLOWING KAINUK VILLAGE RAID

2 people have been reported to be missing as 120 goats were driven away by suspected Pokot raiders today following a raid at a village in Kainuk that occurred at around 12.30 pm. An unknown number of raiders attacked Kainuk town centre and when they were overpowered by the national police reservists they headed to a village where they abducted 2 people and stole goats.

Speaking about the incident, Lobokat ward MCA Nicodemus Eguman said the raiders intended to attack the centre but intervention from the police reservists prevented them.

He urged the government to beef up security in the region to control the situation which seems to be getting out of hand.

A search has been launched to find the 2 missing people. 

KEN SIMIYU TURKANA CENTRAL CDF FUNDS BOOSTING EDUCATION SECTOR .

Turkana central MP John Lodepe  opened new classrooms for Nakwaperit primary School in Kang’agetei Sub –Location in Kerio Delta Ward. Besides opening the classrooms the MP also opened a doctor’s house where Nakwaperit health centre clinic officer will be staying. The 2 classrooms were constructed at a cost of sh. 1.4 million while the cost of the new doctor’s structure is sh. 1.6 million. The new classrooms will greatly boost the education sector in the school and the region.

Speaking during the opening of the classrooms the area MP urged the pupils to take advantage CDF funds to get education. He added that since the introduction of CDF funds Nakwaperit village has never benefited and that this is the first structure constructed by CDF funds.

Lodepe also promised to supply rice to the school tomorrow when they reopen for the first term.

                                    

Nakwaperit primary school head teacher Samuel Eregai Emanman said that for the past three years no pupil from the school has ever joined form one and it is their hope that this year they will get an opportunity after 8 candidates out of the total 15 who did their K.C.P.E last year managed to score 200 marks and above.                          

The school has 3 teachers currently and the head teacher has urged TSC director to employ more teachers.

By Mary Tioko Fr. Ajiri informs Christians of St. Augustine’s Church that their mission as Christians is to serve God.

Fr. Isaiah Ajiri who is the assistant priest of St. Augustine’s cathedral parish today during mass reminded Christians that their main mission here on earth is to serve God their creator.Fr. Ajiri said this during his homily at cathedral parish as Christians reflect over their various vocations and calls in life.

KEN SIMIYU 83 STOLEN GOATS AND SHEEP RETURNED TO OWNERS IN KAPEDO

83 goats and sheep out the total 124 that were stolen during an attack carried out by bandits suspected to be emanating from the neighbouring Pokot East sub-county have been returned back to their owners yesterday after they were retrieved by security personnel in the region following threats by Kapedo residents who wanted to slaughter 40 cows they had stolen from Pokot East as payback for their stolen goats.

Both the Turkana and Pokot security officers worked together in retrieving stolen goats and sheep and until yesterday they had managed to return 83 goats and identifying 7 suspects behind the attack. Kapedo ward MCA Didymus Chegem said that they agreed with their counterparts that the cows will remain in police custody until the remaining 41 goats and sheep are all retrieved.

Pokot East deputy county commissioner Daniel Kirui said the angry residents managed to burn down 2 cows belonging to the Pokot community but the rest were rescued.

He added that 7 suspects have been identified and that they will be brought to book. He also said that they have agreed to return the remaining 41 goats and sheep in the next 3 days.

ROBERT KARIUKI EQUITY BANK FLAGS OFF 20 BENEFICIARIES OF THE WINGS TO FLY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Equity bank Lodwar branch has today evening flagged off 20 beneficiaries of the wings to fly scholarship programme 2015 in Lodwar town. 12 female scholars and 8 male scholars were flagged off in an event at the Lodwar lodge hotel as they head to Nairobi where they will meet with thousands other beneficiaries as they await to be commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta in a ceremonies event which will be held at Kasarani stadium this Friday.

Through the programme the successful candidates will benefit a lot not only in school fees payment but will also be provided with school uniforms, learning materials, transport facilitation and pocket money during 4 years of secondary education. Speaking during the flagging off event, Principal magistrate Washika Wachira who was also the chief guest urged parents to play their part and take care of the candidates by offering necessary support.

Equity bank Lodwar branch manager Job Nyorsok said the candidates should USE the opportunity to improve their lives and later help others who will be in need of the same help.

Speaking also the District Scholarship Selection board chair Isaiah Emanikor thanked the Equity bank group for their continued support since the programme conception in 2010.

A total of 20,000 scholars have benefited from the programme countrywide.

KEN SIMIYU TURKANA CENTRAL MP HANDS OVER ELIYE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL TO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Turkana central MP John Lodepe has  handed over Eliye boys’ high school to the school principal, Ignatius Ekitela who will now be heading the secondary school which had its first form one enrollment last year. The school has a population of 50 students who are form ones and it is still being expanded to cover up to form four. Hon Lodepe was accompanied by senior education officials including Turkana county TSC director Adow Mohamed, Turkana county Kenya secondary schools association chairman Ome Ali and KNUT secretary in Turkana county Tony Nasia.

The secondary school was previously under the management of Eliye primary school but now it stands for itself after structures such as classrooms, staffrooms and dormitories were put in place. Speaking during the handing over event Turkana central MP John Lodepe urged parents to take their children to school saying education will transform the community.

Speaking also during the event Turkana county TSC director Mohamed Bardad said the government officially registered the school last year after it was inspected and verified to be a learning institution.

The secondary school was established using Turkana central constituency development funds which are also paying school fees for the students.

ROBERT KARIUKI TENSION HIGH IN LOROGON AS BANDITS SURROUND THE AREA

Tension has erupted in Lorogon sub-location, Kaptir location in Turkana south after suspected Pokot bandits surrounded the area paralyzing all activities and threatening the lives of the residents. The bandits surrounded the area 2 days ago after a disagreement erupted between the 2 communities when they were sealing a marriage deal which later turned to war after the negotiations failed to bear fruits.

David Lochuch a resident of Lorogon who also serves a national police reservist in the area said that the bandits turned against them when the deal went sour killing one and injuring 2 others.

Turkana south MP James Lomenen said the cause of conflicts in Lorogon is boundary related and added that the government will form a commission that will clearly show the boundaries and demarcate the borders of Turkana and West Pokot counties.

The General Service Unit (GSU), administration police and the anti stock theft unit are working together in trying to calm the tension and restoring order in the region.

KEN SIMIYU ONE KILLED IN LOIMA AS INTELLIGENCE REPORTS FAIL TO SHOW IMPACT

A 20 year old young adult has lost his life after more than 200 bandits believed to be from Pokot County attacked him together with his colleagues when they herding goats in Locherenkalalio, Lokiriama-Lorengipi ward  at around 11 am. The bandits were trailing the herders behind in the opposite direction and when they arrived at a bush that’s where they shot down the young man killing him on the spot and walked away with an unknown number of goats.

Speaking to Radio Akicha, Loima sub-county administrator Titus Ekiru said it is very discouraging to see that local intelligence reports being provided are not bearing fruits because the raids continue being carried out almost daily.

John Lokiru, the father to the young man expressed his grief saying it is very unfortunate that he has lost a son and urged the government to intervene.

The area is now insecure and tension is still high with the residents fearing that a fresh attack could erupt anytime.

KEN SIMIYU TWO SEPARATE ATTACKS LEAVES 3 PEOPLE DEAD IN TURKANA EAST SUB-COUNTY

Two people have been confirmed dead after a heavy fire exchange yesterday at Kasarani in Kapedo, Turkana East sub-county. Unknown number of cattle herders from Pokot County yesterday while grazing livestock at Kasarani attacked a Kenya Defence Forces lorry which was partrolling the area as usual. According to Joshua Eyanae, a resident of Kapedo a number of pokot cattle herders have camped at Kasarani area with their livestock hence threatening the locals.

The KDF confronted the raiders killing two of them and arresting one who will be taken in for questioning. Turkana county police Commander Emmanuel Mwaringa said the officers are patrolling the area to ensure residents are safe.

Elsewhere at Kamuge-Napeitom road today morning at 7 a KK company security guard working with the Tullow Kenya was killed by bandits suspected to be coming from Pokot County who laid an ambush on them as they were walking towards Lokori. The other 4 workers who were walking alongside the security guard managed to escape narrowly.

Police officers have been deployed in the area to boost security. 

ROBERT KARIUKI HEALTH MINISTRY FLAGS OFF MEDICINE WORTH KSH 32 MILLION

Turkana county health ministry flagged off medicine worth Sh. 32 million to various dispensaries and health facilities all over the county. Health services and sanitation chief officer Agnes Mana flagged off the medicine at the Lodwar county and referral hospital where she also handed out official garments to the medical and subordinate staffs of the hospital.

Speaking while flagging off the medicine, health and sanitation chief officer Agnes Mana gave the breakdown on how the medicine will be distributed among 5 major hospitals in the county.

She added that medicine worth Sh. 21 million will be distributed to dispensaries and health centers while the rest will be distributed to level 4 hospitals. She also said that a consignment of medicine worth Sh. 10 million are on the way coming which will be used to cure snake and dog bites as well as Kalazar.

The medicine flagged off today will reduce drug insufficiency in many health facilities especially those in remote and inaccessible areas.

ROBERT KARIUKI HEALTH EXECUTIVE LAUNCHES LAUNDRY MACHINES TO IMPROVE HYGIENE LEVEL

County executive in charge of Public health and sanitation Jane Ajele  officially launched laundry machines that included a washing, a dryer and ironing machines which are expected to boost the hygiene level at the Lodwar county and referral hospital. The machines which were procured at a cost of Ksh. 15 million from the Total solution health firm will be operated by trained personnel and will work at least 6 hours a day.

Health and sanitation executive Jane Ajele while launching the machines at the Lodwar county and referral hospital said that the supplier will be responsible for maintenance of the machines for a duration of 1 year and after that they will engage in another service contract.

The executive added that this is the first time the hospital is receiving 3 laundry machines which are up to standard because before they only received a washing machine without the dryer and ironing machines.

Lodwar county and referral hospital medical supretendant Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel said the ministry purchased the machines for the interest of the patients so that service delivery can be hygienically improved.

The machines will be operating 2 at a time to reduce the rate of electric power consumption which is expected to rise drastically.

ROBERT KARIUKI PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS PROTEST AGAINST LAND GRABBING INCIDENT

AIC Nakuluja primary school pupils were joined by their teachers and parents as they staged a peaceful demonstration protesting against an alleged land grabber who allegedly scooped part of the school’s land and put up his own structure. The demonstrators headed to the Governor’s office where they expected the county head to address their grievances and provide a solution to a situation which has been rather a lot weighty for the school committee to handle. A girls’ dormitory construction was expected to kick off on the part of land that was allegedly grabbed by a popular business man.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters at the Governor’s office, AIC church Reverend David Nakain complained that as per now the pupils are not learning in a conducive environment because of the regular disruptions they have been put through.

Governor Nanok urged the protesters to calm down and promised that the school premises will be secured to prevent anyone from constructing inside the school compound until the court reaches a decision.

At the moment the court has issued an order stopping any activity going on in the controversial land as police carry on with investigations.

KEN SIMIYU PARENTS WARNED NOT TO TAKE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WHEN THEY REOPEN ON 5TH JANUARY

Parents in Turkana County have been warned not to send pupils and students to schools when they reopen from the 5^th of January because of the looming teachers strike set to take place on the same day. Teachers all over are planning to carry out a nationwide strike so that the government can listen to their grievances especially when it comes to matters of salary and allowances increment.

Speaking to Radio Akicha today, Turkana county KNUT secretary Tony Nasia has warned parents and guardians not to risk taking their children to school because the teachers will not be available.

He also added that the government is using the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to frustrate teachers who are vital in nation building.

Elsewhere education cabinet secretary, Professor Jacob Kaimenyi earlier urged teachers not to carry on with their strike as planned and instead they should back down for talks.

KEN SIMIYU 3 PEOPLE CONFIRMED DEAD AT KASUROKORIO VILLAGE IN TURKANA SOUTH

3 people lost their lives  after more than 100 suspected pokot raiders from the neighboring county ambushed Kasurokorio village in Kalemung’orok, Turkana south at 3 pm killing 3people on the spot and made away with 3,212 shoats belonging to 42 families.

Confirming the incident Kalemungorok area Chief Allan Lokeun said that the raiders followed and ambushed herdsmen who were driving the shoats to the river and killed them.

The raiders attacked the same area thrice and the shoats were driven towards Takaiywa, Kaarun and Kasses. The raid has occurred after leaders from Pokot, Turkana and the national government met in Kitale as they discussed the way forward towards achieving peace among conflicting pastoral communities. The meeting was organized by the Catholic Church.

KEN SIMIYU MCAS AGREE TO MEET WITH THEIR WEST POKOT COUNTERPARTS IN QUEST FOR PEACE

Members of county assembly from Turkana County have embraced the peace process aimed at creating peace between Pokot and Turkana counties by agreeing the move to meet their counterparts in a joint meeting to be announced on a later date.

Speaking during a peace meeting at Eliye Springs, speaker of Turkana County assembly Geoffrey Kaituko said all leaders should come together and end the business of cattle rustlers and therefore MCAs from Turkana County have promised to meet with their Pokot counterparts in ten days

Meanwhile the minority  and member for Turkwel Jeremiah Lomurukai pointed out that that the demonic factors leading to escalating raids and banditry are land, natural resources and livestock  and therefore said in order for peace meeting to proceed and succeed, all Pokot rustlers living in kraals in Turkana South and Loima should move out

On the other hand the majority leader Patrick said that Turkana county leaders are willing and ready to embrace peace through dialogue with leaders from Pokot County however the killings and bus attacks should stop immediately

The meeting involved the governor, Bishops Cornelius Korir and Dominick Kimengich of Diocese of Eldoret and Lodwar respectively, MCAs, government leaders and leaders from NGOs who drew up resolutions on security matters and factors leading to the conflict between the two communities which will be presented during a joint meeting in a later date

ken simiyu Ugandan government has handed over stolen cattle to Turkana County Government.

According to Loima Sub County administrator, Titus Ekiru, 9 cows were stolen December last year by the Tepes of Uganda.

He added that the Ugandan Police Defence Force (UPDF) pursued the raiders and were able to recover the cattle.

“Last year December, 9 cattle rustlers Raided Turkana kraals of Naput and made away with 9 cows. The raiders were later followed by the UPDF to Tapach in Uganda a place that is inhabited by the Tepes where they recovered the cattle.

Mr. Ekiru said that the defense force were able to arrest one suspect adding that 8 are still at large.

He noted that the suspect was forced to hand over 19 cows according to the Nabilatuk principle.

“The suspect had to give 19 cows according to the Nabilatuk resolution which is the guiding principle on how to deal with cattle raiders.

According to Mr. Ekiru, the Nabilatuk resolution were agreements put together by the pastoralists in the Karamojong region as deterrence to the cattle rustlers.

                     

 The leadership of Uganda and Turkana County met at Loputuk to agree on how to pay back stolen animals.

They decided on the Nabilatuk resolution that states that if a person steals one cow, he will be forced to pay back one multiplied by two plus one cows.

The function which was presided over by the Resident District Commissioner Moroto Mr. Pirir, Turkana County Member of County Assembly representing Lokiriama/Lorengipi ward Mr. Patrick Imana and Loima Sub County administrator, Titus Ekiru was done in Loputuk, Moroto District.