LOCAL NEWS – 17.04.2010 - RELOCATION CLAIM REFUTED. By OKOTH PETER & MARY TIOKO.

Claims that Loima residents were fleeing their homes to the neighbouring country in order to evade the on-going disarmament exercise has been refuted by the area District Commissioner, Moses Ivuto. It had been claimed that the Disarmament Exercise that kicked off in the Larger Turkana recently triggered off migration of Turkana holding illegal firearms to the neighbouring country of Uganda since they were unwilling to voluntarily surrender them to authority. It had also been claimed that in some parts of Loima its only women, the elderly and children have been left behind. But talking to us today, Mr. Ovuto, refuted the claims of relocation saying that all the residents of Loima District were cooperating with the Authority. He said the exercise was being carried out jointly between the two Governments and contrary to claims by some people nobody was being harassed as the surrender is purely voluntary. He further said that so far a total of 60 firearms have been surrendered voluntarily and more were still being expected. He added that the targeted areas in Loima District are Kotaruk, Lorengippi, Lokiriama and Urumu. He further promised that the government will beef up security in these ares after the disarmament exercise.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.04.2010 - BODA BODA ADVISED. By Peter Lokatur.

Lodwar-based boda-boda Youth Welfare Association chief adviser, Mr. Paul Eyanae today urged all the boda-boda operators to be keen when riding especially at such a time when the entire region is experiencing heavy rains. Speaking to Radio Akicha reporter in his office, Eyanae said since the rains commenced the roads have been muddy, slippery and many potholes have developed as a result of the floods makes it tricky to ride safely. He called upon the motorists to be very careful when driving around the town so as to reduce the number of accidents in the region.

He added that the government through the municipal council of Lodwar has to do something concerning the worsening condition of the roads linking the larger Turkana region to other parts of the country so as to easen the activities of the business fraternity. He further asked the boda-boda motorists to turn up in good numbers for the acquisition of insurance covers for their motorbikes in the Lodwar main office since the process has been eased. Initially the process has been very much slow and procedures since it involved travelling outside the region but now it has been brought close to the clients.

Eyanae urged Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the region to always remember to boost the activities of the boda-boda youth by offering them financial support.

The heavy rains that have been pounding the country have destroyed infrastructure in many parts of the nation. In Turkana, where most of the consumer goods plus other important items are brought in from various parts of the country, things have been difficult with the damage of Kitale-Lodwar Highway due the deluge. The most affected parts are Marich, Kalemungorok and Kakong. Travelers and business fraternity have called upon the authority to repair the damaged parts to spare them from agony and losses.

LOCAL NEWS – 16.04.2010 - RAINS CONTINUES CAUSING HAVOC. By OKOTH PETER.

The Lodwar-Kitale Highway was rendered impassable in various parts following the on-going rains in various parts of the country.

In Marich, where the road has been damaged for many days, several vehicles could be seen stranded.

Another spot which badly needs urgent repair is Kakong where short diversion has not helped at all.

The longer the damaged highway remains the more losses business fraternity continue suffering. Those who sell perishable goods in Lodwar, Kakuma and Lokichoggio are the ones who have suffered great losses when they go bad before arrival.

Transit Goods transporters have also complained of staying longer than they are supposed to because of the damage.

LOCAL NEWS - 16.04.2010 - DISPLAY OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS. By Emmanuel. A. Ekuwom.

The ministry of state for provincial administration and internal security has today displayed 31 illegal firearms AK 47, G3 MAAK 4 and FN3, that were surrendered volluntarily by Turkana Community. Addressing a press conference in his office today, Turkana Regional Commissioner, Christopher Musumbi, said 13 firearms were received from Loima district and 18 from Turkana West. He said that the disarmament exercise has kicked off and it is targeting the whole region of Turkana. He added that, todays function was affollow-up activity that was addressed in Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) that was launched early this week in the region. The regional commissioner emphasised the need of carrying out a joint desarmament with the neighbouring country of Uganda with the aid of joint desarmament committee whose role is to cordinate with police across the boarder to avoid exchange of illegal firearms. He said so far, they have received 159 firearms and they still receive others on daily basis. He thanked the members of public for surrendering their arms and asked those who have not returned to surrender them to their chief or nearby police station or otherwise the government will take an action against them. He assured the people that enough security will be provided and the operation will continoue peacefully. Mr Musumbu was acompanied by some of the government official.

Local News - 16.04.2010 - COLLECT YOUR ID's: PEOPLE ASKED. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Turkana Central Registration Officer, Tom Mbotela Warwa, has asked those who have applied for national identity card to visit their stations with their waiting cards to check if their national identity card have come before they miss out on the registration of voters which kicked off late march this year. Addressing journalists in his office today, district registrar officer Mr. Warwa said that, since the beginning of the registration of voters, his office has been receiving a good number of ids from their head office in time. Mr. Mbotela asked chiefs and councillors to advise the community to visit his office with the waiting cards to collect their ids. Mr. Mbotela disclosed that soon mobile registration station will be introduced in the region to enable them to reach marginalised areas.

LOCAL NEWS 15.4.10 - BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP HELD. By Bedan Lomor.

Behaviour change communication workshop was today held at St. Teresa Pastoral Centre Lodwar for evangelical religious leaders. Speaking at the workshop St. Augustine's VCT counsellor Mr. Thomas Ewoi said that the workshop's main objective is to empower the religious leaders, i.e. pastors, evangelical bishops, etc, to become the agents of behaviour change transformation in their respective Churches and communities, in the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic. The workshop was jointly organized by International Rescue Committee (IRC), Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) department in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar and Lodwar District Hospital (VCT) staff. The participants who received this training were 35 in number drawn within Lodwar. Empowerment of the religious leaders to become the transforming agents of the community was the major issue in this workshop. Speaking to one of our reporter at the venue the pastor of Redeemed Gospel Church Lodwar, Rev. Joshua Masika, said that the religious leaders have turned up in full swing in the fight of HIV/ AIDS stigma in the larger Turkana region and they will go and give the right information to the right people so as to assist in reducing the HIV/AIDS prevalence within their churches. The community are encouraged to come out and know their HIV status so as to know how to plan their lives.

LOCAL NEWS – 14.4.10 - AN ACCIDENT AT LOTUREREI. By Mary Tioko.

An accident involving a relief lorry today occurred at around 3.00 pm. at a point near Loturerei laggard. The Lorry registration number KAK 237U, Carrying Relief food destined for Lodwar relief stores today got an accident while on its way to the Lodwar Cereals Board Stores and overturned upside down. The driver escaped with minor injuries and was taken to Lodwar District Hospital for treatment. A passenger who was traveling in another vehicle who witnessed the accident said the lorry overturned and all the content was scattered on the other side of the road. Assistance was organised from Lodwar to rescue the situation.

LOCAL NEWS – 14.04.2010 – PS FOR TRANSPORT VISITS LODWAR AIRSTRIP. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Dr. Cyrus Njiru, has declared the ownership of Lodwar Airstrip. Accompanied by the Regional Commissioner, District Commissioner, Mayor and Councillors, at the Lodwar airstrip, Dr. Njiru said today that he is in Lodwar to claim the ownership of the airstrip by Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) and to fence and maintain. The PS said construction of the airstrip which is opted to start soon, will be facilitated by the regional commissioner mr Christopher Musumba and his team. Speaking to one of our reporters, His Worship Mayor of Lodwar Mr. David Kinyonge said, there are plans to relocate the airstrip to avoid risks of accident, insecurity and arrest. Mr. Kinyonge added, they had proposed three sites for the airstrip; Nakwei (Kanamkemer), Naroongor (Kakuma route), and lastly Lokitela Etuko (Eliye route). Lodwar Town planner Cllr. Odhiambo added that there is need to relocate the airstrip so as to reduce conjection in the town. The mayor advised the community to keep-off the airstrip and he urged the security officers to be peacefull when installing security at the airstrip.

Sports. 12.04.2010. Loyo Tournament begins. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Loyo youth group tournament kicked off today at Loyo grounds, Nakwamekwi, with an opening ceremony led by missionary John Lodepe Nakara. The ceremony which, was opened by the National Anthem marked the beginning of long awaited tournament. The tournament with the theme''playing for unity and green development'' was meant to bring together all youth from Nakwamekwi sub location in order to establish a strong spirit of working and social cohesion.

Addressing the participants and spectators this during the opening ceremony, Mr. John Lodepe urged the youth to use their talents wisely adding that they stand to benefit from them if used well.

Mr. Lodepe lauded the role played by the youth in the society, and appealed to the public to involve young people in development activities. The competing teams are: Ngiitakito, Ngilukumong, Nadirkonyen, Nabulon, Loyo and Nakapongoroit.

In the opening match which was played at Loyo footbal pitch, Ngilukumong beat Ngiitaakito, 3-1 booking themselves a ticket to the second match against Nakapongoroit tomorrow.

In Volley ball, Nadirkonyen scored 3 sets by 0 against Nabulon in their first match today. According to the tournament co-ordinating team chairman Mr paul Lotengan , the presents will be given to the winning team, best player, discipline team, top scorer and it will be in form of items. The finals are set to be on 17^th april this year at loyo football club pitch.

LOCAL NEWS – 13.4.10 - SOCIAL AUDIT SKILLS TRAINING WORSHOP HELD. By Mary Tioko.

Social audit skills training workshop was today held at Emmanuel Centre, St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish Lodwar. It was organised by Catholic Justice and Peace Commission through it's Governance and accountability officer Mrs. Seline Locham. Forty participants drawn from the three central parishes (St. Augustine's Lodwar parish, Holy Family Kanamkemer and Risen Christ Nakwamekwi Parishes) attended it. The objectives of the training were to explain vividly on public funds and the services to be provided by the Government and Local authority. Addressing the participants, the Governance and Accountability officer, Mrs. Seline Locham, said that the main aim of this training was to create awareness so as the community can know what are the Devolve funds, allocations, composition of committees, and how the community can access these funds. Tracking of the public funds through a process known as Public Tracking Expenditure (PETS) and PIMA CARDS was also discussed. Using this methods, she said, the community can know the money coming in the District and it's expenditure. She commented that the people in the larger Turkana Region more so, those trained and are aware of this process and can identify the various structures that they access these funds from like, CDF, LATF/LASDAP, NJAA MARADUFU, NALEP/ALPRO, KAZI KWA VIJANA, TRP, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL and many others.

08.04.2010. LOCAL News - TWO KILLED IN ATTACK. By Okoth Peter

Two women lost their lives last night when armed raiders believed to have come from a neighboring country attacked their manyatta in the middle of the night.

The incident which took place at Meyen River, seven kilometres north of Lobur village in Turkana North District also left one child wounded. The child was this morning transferred to Lodwar District Hospital for treatment with a bullet still lodged in the body.

This morning, village elders led by KPR were tracking down the raiders of whom one of them is believed to have been wounded.