LOCAL NEWS – 27.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - ST. AUGUSTINE'S CATHEDRAL SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE THEIR PATRON'S DAY IN STYLE

The christian community of St.Augustine's visited various institutions to mark their Patron saint's day today which is the celebrated every year on the 28th August . In this celebration there are various activities taking place inluding the visit to the Hospital and the Prisons department inorder to celebrate with them their feast day. Speaking to the small christian communities who visited the Prisons department.
The leader of the small christian communities who visited the Prisons Mr. Ben Mugo encouraged the inmates to feel loved by God and learn always to say soory and move forward in a transformed manner.
The climax of the day will be tomorrow as the marriaged couples will be renewing their vows as the marriage council will be commisioned. As part of the celebration Radio Akicha will be Launching new Pragrammes and also open day for the Radio outside the church compound.

LOCAL NEWS – 26.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - LOYO TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF

The sports for peace football that is played every quarter has began at Loyo village. Speaking to Akicha reporter , the coordinating team leader said that the tournament started today and will end on Monday the 31st August. The coordinator said that the sports forum is always organised to bring the youth people together especially during the holidays and is aimed at bringing unity and green development among the youth. Today the tournament started with the football match where Nakapongoroit and submarine drew 0 0 whereas Eluktoliasi were beaten by young pirates 2- 0. In volleyball the young pirates were beaten by Eluktoliasi 3 sets by 1 . The updates will be on air as soon as we get the results from the fields every day as the Matches take place. The organising team urge all the youth to feel welcome to participate in the event

LOCAL NEWS – 23.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - A NOBLE CHARACTER WOMAN IS A CROWN TO HER HUSBAND

The Northern women convention conference which was held from the 18-22/8/2010 at the RCEA kanamkemer church ended on 22.8.10. The convention brought together 350 women from the larger Turkana region. This was organised by the RCEA presbytrian woman leaders in conjuction with lodwar parish RCEA and facilitated by Agape ministry, glory outreach assembly and Merlin. The convention brought together six reformed church of East Africa churches including Marich parish which was led by Rev. Ben Loreng , Kainuk led by Rev. Joseph Lomuria, Katilu by . Sammy Kimeli/ Ben Amodoi, Lokori Jackson Iruko, Lokichar Philip Esinyen and lastly Lodwar women led by Rev. samwel Ekales. The conference was closed officially by the Deputy Moderator RCEA Northern presbyterian Rev. Ben Loreng from West Pokot and assisted by Rev. Samwel Ekales who is also NCCK treasurer Turkana. The meeting had the objective of realising the workmanship of the woman and her noble character in running the church activities and her family responsibilities which makes her the crown to her husband. This all was based in proverbs 12: 4. that says that a good wife is the crown of her husband but she who brings shame is like rooteness in his borns. The pastors encouraged women to be of high integrity in both church activities and in their rsponsibilities as mothers and mentors to their children as the family is the first church of christ

LOCAL NEWS - 23RD 08 2010 - BY PETER ESINYEN - PARTICIPATORY EPIDEMIOLOGY TRAINING HELD

Veterinary officers in Turkana received training on developing capacity for implementing innovative disease control strategies based on the Epidemiology and socio-economic aspects of the diseases in kenya. The training which is held at st. Teresa Pastoral is coordinated by Vetworks Eastern Africa Dr. Simon Kihu. The Vetrinans found that Livestock keeping is the main source of livelihood for most pastoral households found in East Africa which are characterized by extreme climatic features of drought, flooding, low investment, fragile ecosystems and poverty levels. Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) is relatively new highly contagious and infectious and often fatal disease of sheep and goats that has caused devastating losses in the East Africa region since it was first reported in 2007 in the Turkana and Karamoja areas. In collaboration with FAO, RUFORUM, an organization that stands for university vetirinary students, PENAPH(ILRI), International livestock research institute, Vetworks Eastern Africa and other stakeholders embarked in series of diseases control activities in effort to control the spread of diseases include surveillance, vaccination and capacity building of the technical staff so that they could implement effective control strategies of PPR disease. The corodinator Vetworks Eastern Africa, Dr. Simon Kihu said that the main aim of the workshop is guarantine and to create public awareness through campains as the animal disease continues to spread southwards so they expect to give human capacity training so as to become innovative in strateging towards PPR control.

LOCAL NEWS – 22.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - TRUGGLE TO ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE: BISHOP URGES THE FAITHFULS

The christians faithfuls of St. Augustines's cathedral parish were challenged by His lordship Bishop Patrick harrington In todays homily to seek first the kingdom of God and the rest shall be granted unto them. Speaking in his homily Bishop Patrick Harrington gave various examples of instances where christ uplifted all those who did as per his will. He gave example of the good samaritan who appeared before the narrow gate and God wanted him to prove what showed that he helped the injured man on the road.The Bishop said that the samaritan man produced his birth certificate and the receipt of payment. His lordship expanded on the gospel of the day and said that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God just as it is difficult for a camel to go through a hole of the needle. The bishop also talked of the powers that we have here on earth and told those in positions to use and emulate christ who is a good leader and follow his humility as he humbled himself to an extend of washing the diciples feet. His lordship challenged all those in power to humble themselves and be servants to others. The bishop said that God has given us plenty of time to repent and come back to him and he also wants us to transform ourselves so as to pass though the narrow gate. The bishop said that God wants us to be more focused in our lives and journey with Christ and he will enable us to pass through the narrow gate.

Elsewhere, the St. Stephens Holiday youth from St. Augustine's parish celebrated the holy mass today at St. Mary's kalokol parish. The youth who went to animate mass as one of their holiday activities towards helping the church in the evangelisation mission sang nice songs of praise and had good times touring the lake. The church committee through the chairman Mr. Gabriel Momanyi wished them God's blessings as they spread the Gospel of the lord.

LOCAL NEWS - 21.8. 10 - BY MARY TIOKO - THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY CELEBRATED IN STYLE

The family of Mr. Stephen Mwangi and Mrs. Grace Mwangi came in large numbers to witness their marriage which was held at St. Augustine's cathedral parish. The sacrament which was animated by Fr. John Kizito Manzi brought together many faithfuls in the unity of the two couples who came to make their vows to each other. Speaking in his homily when addressing the couples Rev. John Kizito manzi said the family is like two lines that can later meet in life and compared it with the two parellel lines that will never meet. Fr.Manzi said that when couples exchange gifts in marriage then they need to give each other oneself in total sacrifice . The gift itself is a special gift that one can give to a loved one. Fr. Manzi said that in this marriage Mr.and Mrs. Mwangi are no longer strangers or the boss and the servant but the two are united to make one body of husband and wife. The priest said that without sacrifecs there is no marriage as they will not last.He added by saying that this sacrament unites human beings with God's love. Fr. Manzi said that Christ makes this sacrament sacred and even the children born in this marriage are blessed. The priest urged the christians faithfuls to pray for the two couples so that they can keep their promises and love each other just as christ loves the church, and bring up children fear God and their neighbours.

LOCAL NEWS - 15.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - DEDICATION OF THE NEW CHURCH: QUEEN OF ANGELS LOMIL

The christian community of Losajait Parish accompanied by their Parish Priest Fr.Lucio received a new house of God By the name Queen of Angels. The Lomil outstation, Losajait, Natiir, Naduwaat, Napeililim, Nameyana, Lomeguro and Lolupe outstaions of Losajait Parish were all represented in the colourful ceremony. Speaking during the Homily, Bishop Patrick Harrington told the christian community of lomil to respect the house of worship and use it for prayers both as a group and also as individuals. Bishop Patrick Harrington said that Jesus is the son of God ,who is so powerful than all the three trinity. The bishop told the faithfuls that jesus is the son of God who came on earth and died because of our sins and saved us. He also said that Jesus is our redeemer and great teacher who teaches us always through his scriptures. He went ahead telling them that Jesus is a great healer as he healed from his teachings and he can heal us when we call on his name. Bishop Patrick also said that Jesus is the who can forgive since he has proven this in his holy scriptures. Mentioning on the name given to the church the bishop said this name queen of Angels was taken in honour of the donors of the church. He said this is in honour of the deceased wife of the Donor Mr. Patrick Lee who gave respect to Angels in her life and thus the Husband donated the money so as the church can be build in Africa in her respect as she had dedicated all her life in serving christ during her life. Speaking on behalf of the Lomil Community the chaiman of the Church Mr. encouraged the faithfuls to respect the church and use it as it is the 1st in the area as they used to worship under the tree but now can smile as they worship under the roof

LOCAL NEWS – 18.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - RECRUITMENT OF KENYA POLICE RESERVIST'S AT THE CORNER

The security personel Popularly known as K.P.Rs yesterday streamed the O.C.P.D offices in Turkana central for the registration exercise in preparedness for the coming recruitment. Speaking to Akicha reporter the Deputy O.C.P.D for Turkana Central Mr. John Onditi said the recruitment exercise is scheduled to kick off on thursday the 19th August 2010. This will entail re-vetting the old lot of K.P.Rs and later recruiting the new ones that will beef up security in various areas within the Turkana Region. The recruiting officers will come from the Provincial Headquarters. This exercise comes when the district is facing security problems as it is just one day old when the Raiders believed to be coming from the neighbouring Pokot community descended in Mugur area of Loriu Plateau in Turkana East District and killed 7 people and made away with herds of livestock. The Turkana community is optimistic that the security will be improved by the move.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO -7 PEOPLE KILLED IN A RAID IN TURKANA EAS

The community of mugur in loriu plateua were waken in a rude shock at 9.00pm by Gun shots from unknown raiders. 7 people were killed on the spot and others were injured
. In the incident , 26 homesteads were raided and more than 3000 animals were driven away. Confirming the incident the District commissioner for Turkana East, Elimi shaffi ibrahim said on phone that the incident was confirmed today at around 10.00am. The commissioner said that he was waiting for security personel from Lodwar to be taken to the scene for more investigations. Concerning the same incident, the O.C.P.D Turkana central Lawrence Mwaura Njoroge who accompanied the security team to the scene further said that he saw one body of an eighty year old man at the scene and was told by the residence that the injured lady was taken to Loyangalani mission hospital for treatment .

LOCAL NEWS – 14.8.10 - BY FR.ANGEL - KANGOLE’S CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATE THE ASSUMPTION

This morning a new building for a nutritional unit has been blessed at St. Monica’s Kangole.
The new building will hold 60 children aged between 3 to 6 years, who will benefit from pre-unit education and several meals per day.
Fr. Angel Valdivia, assistant priest of St. Augustine’s Cathedral, blessed the building during the celebration of the feast of the Assumption. The celebration was very colourful, as songs and traditional dances filled the atmosphere. People from different Small Christian Communities attended the celebration, namely from St. Boniface’s Nassiger, and Lomunyen Ekirion both outstations of St. Augustine’s Cathedral.
This project has been funded by “Fundación Kyrene” from Spain, who sponsored the construction of the buildings, and other well wishers have donated school materials.
This project is focused to improve nutrition of the small children in remote areas in order to prepare them for their future, and is part of a larger Early Childhood Education programme run by the Diocese of Lodwar.

LOCAL NEWS - 14.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - YOUTH MASS CELEBRATION

The Young Christian Students (YCS) Diocesan leaders training that was held at Lodwar youth polytechnic has ended today with a colourful mass celebration that was animated by The Youth Chaplain Fr. Simon Mutai. Speaking during the homily he said that his work to journey with the young people.The Y.C.S council formed as to begin to realise that we are Y.c.s ourselves and the youth
of the diocese.It is high time that we run our own programmes.How to raise money if thi has to be active,then we work.Other young men have done it what about you? Fund raise for your own account.The most important thing is for us to realise that we are a tool of evangelisation.Be active in your parishes and make up all those who are asleep,clearly level.Enjoy yourselves now.The chaplain is willing to accompany them in with prayers and guidance.We are beginning from nothing but continuing from where others left.Be vibrant.Touching on formation of priests religious they were told to come and join this various congregations of the Diocese.Y.cs should be light of otheer students in schools

LOCAL NEWS – 12.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - THREE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A ROAD ACCIDENT

The vehicle carrying Kenya Army personnel destined to down country from Lodwar lost control and rolled several times on Lodwar kitale highway. The accident occurred near loturerei where 3 Army men were seriously injured and have been flown to Nairobi for better treatment. The rest of the passengers sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment at lodwar district hospital.We will have to update you more concerning this incident

LOCAL NEWS - 11.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - YOUNG CHRISTIAN STUDENTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING WORKSHOP AT LOYOPO

The training of youth in schools and youth out of school is taking place at Lodwar youth Polytechnic in lodwar . The training which is facilitated by the affiliate of Africa regional co-ordinator Mr. John Momanyi brings together 35 participants drawn from all secondary schools within the greater Turkana region. The workshop which started on 9th August is running upto 13th August 2010. The training will end with youth mass which will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish as from 9.00 am and will be presided by the Diocesan youth Chaplain Fr. Simon Mutai. The main objectives of the training is to train the students in leadership skills and later form a diocesan Y.C.S team. The main topics to be addressed during the training are , the definition of leadership, approaches of leadership , purpose of leadership, approaches to being an effective Y.C.S leader and Dimensions of leadership . The youth will also receive training on the tasks of leadership. Mr. Momanyi also adressed on issues based on conflicts and how leaders deal with conflicts in leadership. The facilitator also touched on 3 most common mistakes leaders make mentioning on managing instead of leading, mistaking individuals loyalities for team building and finally failing to apply what motivates members in their leadership. The students received training on Leadership skills with beviour . Mr. John Momanyi addressing the students said that their leadership is a Christian based leadership and is distinct from a political leadership and thus should be guided by scripture teachings quoting isaiah 6: 6-9, Mathew 10: 5-15. Mr. John also said that after imparting the skills of leadership to the students then they can now form Y.C.S Diocesan team in a process presided by the facilitator and the Co-ordinator of the Diocesan Empowerment Youth programme Mr. Cyril Matekwa.

LOCAL NEWS – 8.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - THANKSGIVING PRAYERS AT MIKEKA GROUDS LODWAR

The pastors fellowship led by the Chairman Rev. Bonniface Lokuruka and the NCCK treasurer in Turkana region Rev. Samwel Ekales organised peace rally today inorder to appreciate the work done by the christians during the referendum. The rally that brought together 50 pastors from the evangelical churches was attended by christians from the various churches who came to give God thanks for the peaceful voting exercise that was demonstrated by both the YES/NO camps that united the people of Turkana and Kenya as a whole. The Pastors extended their thanks for all those who stood with the church either the catholic church or the evangelical churches during the referendum exercise. Speaking to Akicha reporter on the ground, Rev. Ekales said that the stand of the church still remains the same and they are optimistic on the implementation of the constitution . He said that the church is anxiously waiting for the amendments of the problematic clauses. Touching on the county clauses in the constitution Rev. Ekales said that the church will stand and give directions on the election of leaders quoting Exodus 18: 21 that says “select all capable men from fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands , hundreds , fifties and tens.” The pastors called upon all christians to continue maintaning peace and order so as they can develop as region and country at Large.

LOCAL NEW – 8.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - 25 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD. A BLESSING TO FR. JOHN KIZITO MANZI

colourful celebration which was celebrated by the host Fr. John Kizito Manzi and assisted by Fr. Fedelis from Kanamkemer Parish. Speaking about this day , Fr. Manzi thanked his parents for allowing him to become a priest despite all the hardships he went through in trying to answer his priestly call.He encouraged parents to give their children an opportunity to serve God in their varous capacities as clergy or religious and also respect the other vocations. The priest urged parents in general to give their children an opportunity of becoming what they want to be in life and not dictating to them what they want them to be. He thanked The Bishop of lodwar Patrick Harrington , Priests, all religious and christians from all the parishes for their support in his work as priest . He thanked all catechists and teachers of faith for the work they involve themselves in of teaching faith. The priest appreciated the solidarity of the represented parishes like , Holy family kanamkemer, Risen christ Nakwamekwei, Kakuma, Kataboi, Turkwel, Lorugum, Katilu, and Lokori. He again thanked his family members starting from his Mother who came to thank God together with him for the gift life and for his service here in Turkana. Fr. Francis Teo also thanked evey one who came to witness this celebration and said it is a sign of love and unity in christ for all the organisation of the day for he says it is a big success. The adminisrator of St.Augustines Cathredral Fr. Francis Teo thanked the organising committee of this event and all the outstations of St. Augustines cathedral parish for the unity in all the preparartions and making this day a success. He said this shows the universality of the catholic church. Fr. Manzi asked the faithfuls to give thanks to people who supported them to reach where they are now in every aspect of life. He once again asked parents to guide their children in choosing their calls as every vocation is very important in ones life especially a call to priesthood.

LOCAL NEWS - 11.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - CONFIRMATIONS AT ST.GABRIEL KANGATOSA PARISH

The christian community of St.Gabriel Kangatosa Parish today received the sacrament of confirmation in a colourful 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 permist abortion which is killing and is against the 5th commandments of thou shall not kill and thus advised the christians to rejecct 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 agift 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 inquistive 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 basktry 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 - 30TH 07 2010 - BY PETER ESINYEN - REJECT LAW, MOI URGES TURKANA PEOPLE.

The NO campaign political activists rally was held in moi garden grounds lodwar today . A rally that was organized by his excellency retired president of kenya, Hon. Daniel Torotich Arap Moi. Upon arrival at lodwar air strip in the morning, the Retierd President was Received By the NO activists in Lodwar Mr. Nicholas Ekai, Councillor Lorogoi and Church leaders. Accompanied by Hon. Mark Too, Hon. Gideon Moi and secretary general for KANU Hon. Nick Salat, He first visited Anna Nanjala center where he took his convoy to Moi Gardens where he addressed the crowds. His excellency first thanked the stand of the church on constitution as it is godly. Adressing issues on the abortion, He said that no one gives life unless God and thus it is also against the customs and traditions of our communities. He added on government land ownership, where he said that the people of Turkana will have to loose their land if they will accept the constitution, He said that the land of Turkana is better and useful to the forthcoming generation if only people of Turkana will have to vote 'NO' for the constitution on 4th August 2010. Moi added that the constitution is unpeacefull because some of government civil servants will have to loose their jobs, DC'S, Chiefs, subchiefs have no position in the proposed constitution and this will promote insecurity within our communities. The retired president advised the people of Turkana to vote 'NO' to the proposed constitution.The church leaders present also advised people on the church moral case against the proposed new constitution and therefore advised their christians brethren who respect life and fear God to Vote NO come August 4th.

LOCAL NEWS – 25.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - CONFIRMATIONS AT KANAMKEMER PARISH

The christian faithfuls received 188 new members in their midst in a colourful ceremony which was presided over by his Lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich. The candidates were drawn from Nawoitorong, Kanamkemer and Nabuin. There were also commissioning of 30 Catholic Men Association and 80 Catholic Women Association members. The Parish Priests Fr. Joseph Okpala and Fr. Damien Eripon were also present in these two ceremonies. The auxilary Bishop told those confirmed that they have then received the gifts of the holy spirit which will direct them to do the right things in their lives and he told them to be witnesses and soldiers of christ to the rest of the world. Those commisioned took an oath of faithfulness to the church and to the rules of their associations. In his talk on the proposed constitution Fr. Damien Eripon stated the Position of the church and emphasised the need for respect of all people demanding respect from our political leaders to desist from using the political rallies to attack church leaders. Fr. Damien also cautioned the youth to keep off from leaders who incite them to disrupt church services on return of Money or any other thing. The priest insisted that we are still one Nation despite all hordes. Fr. Damien told the christians the three principles why the church rejects the proposed new constitution. He said that life needs to be respected and since the constitution allows abortion which is killing it is not the right document to be adopted and is against the 5th commanment of God of thy shall not Kill , the other item mentioned by the priest is the principle of equality where one relgion is elevated than the other and lastly the dignity of human person where the constitution provides various rights without reflecting on the need for a proper balance between rights and moral norms. The Parish Priest of kanamkemer Fr. Joseph Okpala reminded the congregation not to allow the repeat of what happened in 2007 to happen during this referendum.
Elsewhere at Lochwaa outstation of Lokichar parish , the facilitators from the technical team on the constitution from the Diocese of Lodwar had a succeeful talk on the stand of the church on the proposed constitution. The akicha reporter on the Ground reported that the faithfuls in the area received the information with a lot of enthusiasm and vowed to reject the proposed constitution come August 4th.

LOCAL NEWS - 28.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - DEFENCE OF LIFE ECUMENICAL MEETING

The church with it's prophetic role today took it's position as teacher and leader in telling the political leaders the right things to be put in place as they approach the referendum date. In their moral case against the proposed constitution, the team comprising technical wing for the constitution from the Diocese of Lodwar Led by His Lordship Dominic Kimengich hosted a meeting which brought together 29 church leaders within the Turkana Region. The team which included the Chairman of the pentecostal Churches of Kenya who also chaired the meeting , Pastor boniface Lokuruka , The Treasurer of NCCK in Turkana Region Rev. Samwel Ekales, The Bishop of Holiness Churches of Kenya Rt. Rev. Samwel Kaaleng , and all the Pastors across the Turkana Region converged at the Diocesan conference defended life by quoting the 5th commandment which says thou shall not kill by rejecting the proposed constitution as it allows abortion which is killing. The Bishop of Holiness churches of Kenya , Rev. Samwel Kaaleng and Rev.Ekales had this to say,
The team said that there was need for them to co-ordinate with each other in their fight against abortion clause. The Assistant Bishop of AIC Lodwar Rev .Nakain said that the political leaders have run out of words of convincing the people to follow their position and thus have resorted to attacking people of God . He asked the church leaders to be vigilant especially during the polling day so as to curb the rigging vice that as become like a disease in Kenyas Elections . The team which has the moral obligation of educating the christian faithfuls on the truth and the stand of the churches in Kenya, vowed to stand by it . The church leaders instructed the team to be wise as servants and be humble as dogs in their move in explaining these principles. They also did not forget their main aim of evengelisation and prayer for this constitution which is their weapon against evil.
They quoted the story of David and Goliath saying that David is like the churches and Goliath is the government of Kenya.
The team stipulated plans on how they will go about the actual referendum day and what is to be done before then. The Pastors said that they are people of Peace and not agents of chaos as they are guided by the word of God. They also reported the various progress on their forums in defence of life campaign where they insisted on their stand on the proposed constitution and Vowed to stand by it under all means. Pastor Bonniface Lokuruka thanked all the Pastors for coming together to plan for the defence of life ecumenical prayers which is sheduled to take place on sunday afternoon. They said that when the churches see danger it alerts her people for it is her responsibility to do that. The Pastors present vowed to educate the christians on voter education in their respective churches and also encourage them to reject the proposed constitution and vote “NO” come August 4th

LOCAL NEWS - 4.8.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - ACCIDENT ON THE EVE OF REFERENDUM

The accident occurred yesterday near Nasiger Centre near Lomil Junction. The incident invoved a lorry that was verying election materials to 3 different stations in Turkana Central District when it Knoked a standing trailer that was destined to Lodwar from kakuma and the Lorry was verying election materials from Lodwar. Among the seriously injured people include 21 polling officers from the 3 polling centres. The injured people are admitted at Lodwar District Hospital. All victims were officers from the 3 stations thus the stations involved remain unopen until new officers are deployed with election materials supplied because all election materials were destroyed. According to the District independent interim electoral commission co-ordinator Mr. Stanley Kipkore the election materials shall be airlifted from Nairobi and they will do all possible means to see that officers are available for that exercise. Visiting the victims of the accident DO 1 Turkana cental Mr. Levi Senoga, OCPD Turkana South Mr. Lawrence Njoroge and his counterpart Loima OCPD Mr. Muchiri Nyaga have called for calm during the exercise and assured the public that the Government has put security measures in place. They wished the Victims quick recovery.
Radio Akicha sends condolences to the families of the injured victims.

LOCAL NEWS – 23.7.10 - MARY TIOKO - CATECHIST'S GRADUATE AT KATILU

The Good Shepherd Catechetical centre received visitors from the diocese of Lodwar today who came to witness the graduation ceremony of the 9 catechists who successfully completed the one year coures at the centre. The ceremony was presided by The Auxilary Bishop of the diocese of Lodwar Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich assisted by Fr. Ludwig Van Bussel Lorugum Parish, Fr. Anipelio Cabinetto Risen Christ Nakwamekwei, Fr. Kennedy Onnoba of Lokichar , Fr. Joseph Ekalimon Loarengak and Fr. Eripon Damien from Lodwar. The catechists were empowered to use the teachings of the church to bring good news to the people. Speaking during his Homily his lordship blessed the catechists and reminded them of their duties of teaching the catholic faithfuls the sacraments and values of the church. The akicha reporter on the ground Mr. Daniel Edaan reported the talk on the defence of life. Mr.Daniel reported the three principles that make the moral case against the proposed constitution as said by the team.The team also elaborated on the stand of the church and encouraged the christians to vote No as the constitution has legal and political problems that have not been dealt with in the materials given. The team warned that if the constitution is passed, it will be difficult to amend, and will leave us with a document that is sustantially against the majority will and common good of Kenyans. The team said that the only way to stop this is to Vote 'NO' to the proposed constitution on August 4th 2010.

LOCAL NEWS – 31.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - CONFIRMATIONS AT THE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS LOCHOR-AEMOIT.

The christian faithfuls of Lochor-aemoit outstation of kanamkemer Parish were today confirmed in a colourful ceremony celebrated by His Lordship Dominic Kimengich, the Auxilary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar. The christians confirmed were 98 from the three outstations St. Teresas Kimagur, lochoraemoit, Kodapa and the good shepherd church Loturerei.
Speaking during the Homily, His lordship told the christians confirmed to seek the heavenly things and not the earthly things. Commenting on the proposed constitution he stated the stand of the church saying that it rejects the proposed constitution for it allows abortion and he encouraged christians to seek the kingdom of God by obeying the commandments. The costitution allows abortion which is killing the unborn babies . Comenting on the 1st reading of the day which was based on the book of Ecclesiastes Fr.Damien Eripon said that all is vanity without the recognition of God even in our laws. He encouraged the christians to remain united even in the coming referendum. The priest explained the three principles why the church rejects the proposed constitution saying that life is sacred and people should respect it , the principle of equality where the constitution elevates one religion over the others and later dignity of human life. Mentioning on the voter education, Mr. Christopher Losipat told the christians on the colours of the day of voting by giving them the meanings of each colour. They urged them to vote 'NO' come August 4th.

LOCAL NEWS – 23.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - CAMPAIGN FOR DEFENSE OF LIFE INTENSIFIES IN THE DIOCESE OF LODWAR.

The technical team has boosted its avenues for educating the public on the three moral Principles on why the church says 'NO' to the proposed new constitution. The team addressed the right of life and the principle of equality that gives Muslims special treatment and establishes religious courts for them, they also talked on the dignity of human person that provides various rights without reflecting on the need for a proper balance between rights and moral norms. The team that has today reached Nakapopongoit in Lokichoggio and St. John's Parish , Kataboi Parish , Loarengak , Turkwel, Lorugum, and Katilu Parishes have created awareness on the stand of the church. Among the things said in all these visits were that all persons and organizations now have the same duty that the state had to respect the rights of others, not to discriminate individual choice. Religious education, single sex education, decency in public and even in organizations will all be challenged by this law. The team also discussed on the requirement that says that all elective and appointive bodies must have at least one third of members from each gender and said that this sentence is likely to cause a lot of problems to private organizations. They also mentioned on the Punishment of children within the family saying that it has been severely curtailed, and even smacking will now be defined as corporal punishment which is proscribed. The team said that the ability of parents and teachers to direct children to perform various jobs will now be elimination and the right to privacy may hinder administration of justice for common Good. The team encouraged the people to reject the proposed new constitution by Voting' NO 'come August 4th.

LOCAL NEWS - 27TH 07 2010 - BY PETER ESINYEN - PO'S AND D P O'S TRAINING KICKS OFF

Training for presiding officers and deputy presiding officers in various centers began early today as the 4th August 2010 referendum election approaches. Turkana central PO'S and DPO'S were trained in lodwar youth polytechnic, Turkana south getting their training in lodwar green leaf hotel as Turkana north referendum officers undergo their training in Anna Nanjala centre.
Speaking to radio Akicha reporter , Turkana central Interrim Independent Electoral Commission ( IIEC) cordinator Mr. Stanley Kosgei Kipkore said that the main objective of the training is to make the officers aware of the referendum laws, supervision of election process in their polling centers, setup of polling centers, counting and transporting them to the tallying center. Mr. Kosgei added that, the referendum results will be send to Nairobi Bomas of kenya for counting electronically and they will be watching the main counting process live from municipal hall which will be the tallying center. The training is expected to go on for two days beginning today and expected to end tomorrow.
Clerks training is expected to begin on 30th July and ends on 31st July 2010 in loyo St. Bakhita primary school in Nakwamekwi. Touching on officers payments, he said, PO'S will be receiving two Ksh. 2,000 per day for the next ten days remaining for election, this gives Ksh. 20,000 pay per PO as DPO'S pocket Ksh. 1,800 per day. Clerks are expected to pocket Ksh. 1000 per day for the six day's of work. Allowance of Ksh. 2,000 is given to each officer as transport and Ksh. 250 air time for each PO and DPO for emergencies in their polling centers during election.