LOCAL NEWS - 20.05.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba and Philip Kodet - Hunger snatches eight lives in Turkana county.

The issue of hunger seems to be taking a new direction in Turkana county. Eight people are reported dead due to hunger that is striking in Turkana, where 5 people are pronounced dead in Nakurio village in Kerio division, while 3 are reported dead in Kaaleng' of Turkana north district. Speaking today in his office, Missionary John Nakara Lodepe from share international, said that the situation is worsening and it needs an immediate attention. He said that it has reached a time when the church should join hands together to support the community with food other than just spiritual nourishment. Lodepe accepted that only 10% of the churches offer food support, while the rest do not. He praised the work that is done by the Catholic and the Anglican church in food support, and urged the government to offer support and even assign them to distribute food, since the church is closer to the people. he blamed the procedures that is said to be followed saying that it is derailing the distribution of food that is packed in store. Nakara called for the government and World food programme, to fasten their discussion with the transporters, on transportation charges. He said that the increase in fuel prices has greatly affected the lives of many, which has led to a stand still of the transportation process.