Local news - 30.10.11- By Mary Tioko - Humility makes people come closer to God: Says Priest.

The faithfuls of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish have been urged to humble themselves in order to experience the love of God. Talking to the faithfuls during his homily today, Fr. Simon Mutai said that when one mentions anything that hurts the other person, he or she denies himself the blessings from God. Fr. Mutai mentioned on three examples of things that annoy the spirit of God among the people. He said whatever one pronounces in his/her lips in the form of abuses is a sin and makes one be far away in the kingdom of God. He warned that abuses can be emulated by children when said by adults and that they will grow up abusing people and deny themselves the love of God in their future lives. Fr. Mutai also mentioned on the failure to fulfill ones responsibilities and said that one can be held accountable on the last day. He emphasized on prayer and encouraged them to invite God to guide them in their activities. The priest challenged the faithfuls to always seek for forgiveness when they fall short of glory and said that when one does not reconcile here on earth he or she will do that in hell! So he encouraged them to always reconcile while on earth. The priest said that people's actions, appearances portray their self image. He challenged the faithfuls to conduct themselves in a good and inspiring way in-order to attract others to follow them in their Christianity. He added that actions speak louder than words and encouraged them to act justly, walk humbly with their God for he is their provider and will raise them the last day.

Local news - 29.10.11 - By Mary Tioko - Practice professionalism in whatever field you are in: Says MP.

The Turkanas who are professionals have been asked to perform at their best and serve the Turkana community. The MP for Turkana Central Hon. David Ekwee Ethuro challenged the professionals leaving in Nairobi, overseas, and within the county to provide quality service to the people of Turkana without discrimination. Speaking at the Burial Ceremony of Doctor Philip Kawinji Ejikon today, Hon. Ekwee urged the Turkana Doctors to emulate the example of the fallen Hero. Assistant Minister for wildlife who is also the MP for Turkana South Hon. Josephat Nanok also called upon all those aspiring to the top posts to do it in peace and work towards unification of all in the County. Putting education at the forefront, all the leaders stressed on the importance of mobilising all the resources towards the development of the county. Among those present in the function were the District Commissioner for Nyamira Esther Lokwee, Dr. Ekuru Aukot, D.C Namulen, OCPD for Turkana central Mr. Lawrence Mwaura and Turkanas leaving and working in Nairobi. Friends and relatives all converged to pay their last respect and took the function to meet and sale their ideas to the people present. On politics, Dr. Aukot warned the professionals to keep off and exercise their various professions and help all in their various offices without waiting to enter politics so as to be seen performing. He said that service comes from ones heart and encouraged them to continue working hard especially in the education field to reduce poverty in the County. All professionals present were given chance to say their various professions.

LOCAL NEWS – 28.10.11 - By Gladys Wamaitha - Kawalase River floods again as Rains pounds Turkana.

Kawalase River floods again as Rains pounds Turkana. The rains that started as early as 4.00am today have caused havoc to most places as houses flooded and streets in Lodwar rendered impassable. Several businesses stood still in lodwar town as vehicles from Lokichogio, Kakuma, Kalokol could not make their way to lodwar and other out of Lodwar. Fish dealers had no choice than to wait until the following day as the fish transporters are stranded on the other side of the river and activities paralyzed. One passenger having traveled all the way from Nairobi to meet a relative who was on the other side of the river and back to job seemed distressed. She was praying that water can subside to enable vehicles make their way through in order to reach destination before more rains fall. Kawalathe river has been a black spot , the community is urged not to risk their lives and avoid any attempt to cross when the river is flooded.

Local news - 27.10.11- By Mary Tioko - Strathmore University Community Outreach programme team ended their trip of the Diocese with holy mass

The team from Strathmore Community Outreach programme has ended tour of the Diocese With mass today. The holy mass which was celebrated by his lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich brought together Staff from Diocese to join Strathmore students to thank God for all the blessings granted to them all the times of their work within the Diocese. Speaking during his homily, Bishop Kimengich thanked the Strathmore Community outreach programme team that came all the way to visit and share with the staff of the Diocese of Lodwar in their activities of ensuring that the reign of Christ is felt in the Diocese through various outreaches. His lordship urged the staff and the students to thank God for all the protection as they endeavored to bring life to the people of Turkana. He also added that the love of Christ gives them the assurance that God is always with them and guides them in their work and that they should involve God in their plans. He asked them to reflect and look at incidences when they had planned without feeling God's presence. Bishop Dominic said that when one leaves God out of his/her life, one experiences emptiness. He said that the conviction that God is with them gives them the confidence to move on with life without fear for he is with them and carries them when troubles strike. The team that helped in the emergency response towards Hunger in the Diocese visited among other places Holy cross Parish in kakuma and shared with them the love of God. The community will keep on coordinating with the Diocese to uplift the lives of people of Turkana. His lordship had supper with the team and also thanked them very much for their generosity and wished them a safe journey back to Nairobi.

LOCAL NEWS – 26.10.2011- By Zacheaus Otaba and Gladys Wamaitha - 20 Women receive skills on income generating activities.

The Diocese of Lodwar is training small scale business women with an aim of stabilizing them financially. Speaking today after the two days training, at st. Augustine's cathedral hall, the diocesan livelihood officer Mrs. Agneta Ewoi said that they are aiming at women who are involved in income generating activities. She said that they are equipping them with basic business skills, to uplift their living standards. She expressed her disappointments on loan repayment among the youth, saying that they need put more efforts. the training which is always conducted monthly aims at training 40 women every month all over the county. On loan acquisition Ewoi said that individuals are given 5,000 shillings which is to be repaid in 5 months time. The first session of 20 trainees ended today, while the second will commence tomorrow at the same venue.

Local news- 25.10.11 - By Gladys Wamaitha - Talbot Center Celebrated one year Anniversary.

Talbot center is now nurturing its one full year in the Diocese. members celebrated its 1st anniversary with a lot of achievements counted towards reduction of Alcohol and drugs intake in the county. Fr. Geoffreyy Nakutan who is also the coordinator of the pro gramme addressed the participants and welcomed them to Bishop Mahon Hall where different speakers gave speeches. Sr. Margaret Tommy who is the Medical Coordinator of Lodwar Diocese was among the invited guests and she expressed her joy and pleasure to see the changes shown by the recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Vicar general Fr Joseph Ekalimon was the chief guest . He said that the bishop and the whole church in Turkana will support the work of the program and asked other organizations to lend their support for the benefit of the whole county and the people of Kenya. Area chief and her assistance were also present. The initiative was supported by IRC, child fund, EGPAF and the Catholic diocese of Lodwar.

Local news- 25.10.11 - By Gladys Wamaitha - Talbot Center Celebrated one year Anniversary.

Talbot center is now nurturing its one full year in the Diocese. members celebrated its 1st anniversary with a lot of achievements counted towards reduction of Alcohol and drugs intake in the county. Fr. Geoffreyy Nakutan who is also the coordinator of the pro gramme addressed the participants and welcomed them to Bishop Mahon Hall where different speakers gave speeches. Sr. Margaret Tommy who is the Medical Coordinator of Lodwar Diocese was among the invited guests and she expressed her joy and pleasure to see the changes shown by the recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. Vicar general Fr Joseph Ekalimon was the chief guest . He said that the bishop and the whole church in Turkana will support the work of the program and asked other organizations to lend their support for the benefit of the whole county and the people of Kenya. Area chief and her assistance were also present. The initiative was supported by IRC, child fund, EGPAF and the Catholic diocese of Lodwar.

Local news – 24.10.2011 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Turkana is in emergencies in education sector says the coordinator.

Turkana region has been ranked among the regions which are in emergencies in the education sector. Speaking today at st. Augustin's cathedral hall, during the forum of the stake holders from the education sector, the coordinator of the NGOs and government Mr. Charles Karumba, said that this contributed to their focus in this region. He noted that Turkana is one of the poorest school enrollment with only 35%, compared to the national level of 105%. Karumba was surprised that a lot of funds have been pumped in the region, but with no precise results. He said that he cannot blame the community, since they are only to receive services but cash money. This forum brought together stake holders from the education sector and NGOs which have direct link to education.

Local news- 23.10.11 - By Mary Tioko – PMU members joined St. Lwanga small Christian community to celebrate mission Sunday.

The Pontifical missionary Union (PMU) members from St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish together with members of St. Lwanga Small Christian community animated mass which was led by the vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon. The vicar general informed the faithful to be witnesses of Christ in order to bring change to the community. He said that one cannot give what he/she does not have and thus instructed them to be witnesses of Christ first before witnessing others and spread the good news of Christ in thanksgiving. He added that the resurrection of Christ has to be shared when people are happy and enthusiastic and emphasized on the need of togetherness in order to change the lives of people. He also informed the Christians to put service first in their various vacations and proclamation of word needs to be a joint responsibility as the word of God is for all people irrespective of age, race, tribe and status. He also told them to adapt to the voice of Christ in oder to be his witnesses. He equated the church to a perfect family which is like an industry of faith. The faithfuls were reminded of their responsibility of taking care of the most vulnerable in the society. Giving incidences when Christians have overlooked on orphans, widows, disable and also the aged in the community. He challenged them to be good role models so as to attract others to emulate their good deeds in the society. He emphasized the love of neighbor and God since one cannot be an island of himself in this world. The vicar general delivered Bishop's message of good will to the Christians of St. Augustine's cathedral for their tireless efforts of making things work in the parish. The bishop was celebrating mission Sunday with faithfuls of Risen Christ Nakwamekwei parish where he confirmed 140 people and 70 at Nadapal outstation.

Local news - 20.10.11 - By Philip Lobur - ST. LUKES HOME FOR THE DEAF CELEBRATE THEIR PATRON FEAST'S DAY

20th October was a significant day in St. Luke's home for the deaf in Nakwamekwi when the Centre marked their 7th anniversary and memorial of their patron saint. The day started with the celebration of the Holy mass conducted by Rev. Fr. John Kizito Manzi who is the diocesan Educatio secretary. The holy mass of thanksgiving was conducted within the St. luke's home  social hall which was attended by Bishop Dominic Kimengich, Fr. Rafel Cefalo the parish priest of Nakwamekwi, pupils of st. Luke'ss home for the deaf, their parents, provincial Administration represented by the local chief Enoch Ekulan, the head mistress of St. Bernadette school for hearing impaired Nakwamekwi, Eunice Mjuma the diocesan child protection officer among other guests. The celebration was a unique one as the children entertained their visitors to their satisfaction and the guests also gave their advice and speeches all revolving children issues, child protection and special needs of children with disabilities. The Bishop and all guests were very happy on the occasion and called upon all stake holders to support all children with disabilities and impaired  who should be treated the same with others. During the occasion the parents who finished a course on sign language were awarded with certificated together with pupils who performed well in the district mock. During the occasion tribute and special mention was made to the founder of the home Mr. Jansen who made the place as it is now serving many children who are deaf. The administration also thanked the government for registering St. Bernadette primary school as a recognized institution accredited through the ministry of education. Later the pupils interacted freely with their parents and visitors. Special thanks to the benefactors of the home for the dead.

Local news - 20.10.11 - By Philip Lobur- BISHOP'S PASTORAL VISIT TO RISEN CHRIST NAKWAMEKWI PARISH

The Bishop of Lodwar Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich started his two days pastoral visit to risen Christ Nakwamekwi parish where he started with confirmations in Nadapal church which is one of the out stations of Nakwamekwi parish . It was a moment of pomp and dance as the local ordinary was received for the first time in Nadapal outstation. All the Christians in and out of Nadapal out station came in large numbers to welcome the bishop whom they were longing to see for a long time. It was joy as all those confirmed received the Bishops blessings .During the mass the Christians danced and expressed they joy for having his lordship among them. The celebration of holy mass was co-celebrated by the parish priest of Nakwamekwi Rev. Rafael Cefalo. The bishop will also will proceed to the main station for mission Sunday mass and do confirmations, this is a way of celebrating the mission Sunday which is a big occasion in the history and life of the church.

Local news - 20.10.11 - By Philip Lobur- BISHOP'S PASTORAL VISIT TO RISEN CHRIST NAKWAMEKWI PARISH

The Bishop of Lodwar Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich started his two days pastoral visit to risen Christ Nakwamekwi parish where he started with confirmations in Nadapal church which is one of the out stations of Nakwamekwi parish . It was a moment of pomp and dance as the local ordinary was received for the first time in Nadapal outstation. All the Christians in and out of Nadapal out station came in large numbers to welcome the bishop whom they were longing to see for a long time. It was joy as all those confirmed received the Bishops blessings .During the mass the Christians danced and expressed they joy for having his lordship among them. The celebration of holy mass was co-celebrated by the parish priest of Nakwamekwi Rev. Rafael Cefalo. The bishop will also will proceed to the main station for mission Sunday mass and do confirmations, this is a way of celebrating the mission Sunday which is a big occasion in the history and life of the church.

LOCAL NEWS - 18/ 10/ 2011 – Gladys Wamaitha - RELIEF FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Catholic Diocese of lodwar emergency response team distributed food to Kangatosa community. The team was received by the parish priest Fr. Philip Lotiiman and he helped in distributing food in Naoros, Nataagilae, Kangagetei and Natiir. And the priest said that he will make arrangements to areas which did not get a share, like Akatuman. The relief food was donated by Tro’caire which is one of the funding agencies in the diocesan famine relief intervention. The chairman of the parish council of Kangatosa Mr. Johnson Ekuwam Ekitela gave the community perception of the food and appreciated on behalf of the community of the food aid donated. The distributing team called upon other well wishers to continue supporting this initiative of extending a helping hand to the needy and hunger stricken communities. The food distributed include maize, beans and cooking oil.

Local news - 15.10.2011 - By zacheaus otaba- Not too late to change your grades: Bishop tells students

Students have been urged to utilize their remaining time to improve their grades in the fourth coming national examinations. Speaking today at st. Leo boys, the bishop for the catholic of Lodwar, his lordship Dominic Kimengich said that the remaining time can enable the students to change their grades if well utilized. The bishop took his stand that church is not willing in anyway to interfere with the working of the schools. He urged them to be focused and take care of themselves within and without school. At the same time the principal of the school Mr. Peter Momanyi instructed the parents to take care of their children, other than leaving them for teachers only. Mr. Momanyi complained that most parents forget about their children once they enter school, with an assumption that they are in the hands of teachers. The schools present in the ceremony were also our lady's girls secondary school and other five primary school from Kakuma division. The form fours are set to start their national examinations on 17th October.

LOCAL NEWS – 14.10.2011 - by Zacheaus Otaba- Oxfam holds early warning system consultative meeting, research report delivery

Oxfam held an early warning system consultative meeting, with its stakeholders at Nawoitorong women conference center. Speaking during the meeting, the tusk consultant Mr. Sammy Mutua said that most farmers in this region loose their animals due to lack of appropriate information. Mr. Mutua said that statistics show that the horn of Africa has lost more than 64 billion within a period of the last three months, where Kenya is not exempted. He noted that it is necessary to involve the local Fm radio stations in disseminating information to the farmers using mechanisms and modes that they can understand easily. Mutua added that it is better if the farmers were fed with yearly, monthly, weekly and daily report on climate changes and market prices. The meeting brought together more 17 members from different organizations and government sector.

TJRC seatings started today at the Turkana county council hall, here in Lodwar where cases of mass killings was the topic of the day. Giving their tes

TJRC seatings started today at the Turkana county council hall, here in Lodwar where cases of mass killings was the topic of the day. Giving their testimonies, the witnesses gave evidence of killings which has been affecting all the departments that are involved in income generating activities.
They noted lack of security in lake Turkana that has caused most fishermen lose their lives, while the government seams to be negligent about it. Many questions were raised pertaining the perennial enemity that has been between the Turkana and the Pokot, which caused loss of many lives and livestock.
Some witnesses seamed to be overwhelmed with the bombing incident and the mass killings that were done by the neighboring countries, like Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia, in 1988 and 1989. They argued that the government has never taken any step to help the victims.
However the presiding chair man professor Tom Ojienda asked the victims to be open to the commission so that it can take the necessary action. Among the commissioners present were major general retired Ahmed Farah, judge Gertrude Chawatama, ambassador Baranhu Dinka and judge Margaret Shava.
The commission will be meeting women only tomorrow at St Teresa's pastoral center from 10.00 am.

Local news – 3.10.11 - Mary Tioko - The Diocesan Secretariate encouraged to go beyond boundaries

The Diocesan secretariat have been encouraged to go beyond all the boundaries when delivering services within the diocese so as to experience the love of God in their activities. The Vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon who was accompanied by the visiting parish priest of Loarengak Fr. Cosmas Longor said this when celebrating staff mass at St. Thomas Chapel today.
Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said that God has given them the responsibility of transforming the world to be a better place for all to live in in their various activities. He said that God is using the staff to reach out to the people in the community and that they ensure that they help all without discrimination and be flexible always in life.
Fr. Ekalimon said that God wants the best thing to happen in their lives and God changes their mandate to suit them. He also added that God changes their mandate and follows it to make sure that it helps them in their lives. The priest encouraged the staff to change their behavours and not inconvenience other people in life.
Fr. Ekalimon also encouraged them to relate well with others and avoid insensitivity, implement all their plans without postponing issues when they arise. He added that God always accompanies them in their lives and that they should be confident with what they do always. Fr. Cosmas Longor added that the staff should sometimes go beyond the policies guiding them if they want to help people in the community.

Local news - 2.10.11 - Mary Tioko - Be Labourers in the vineyard of God

The faithfuls of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish have been informed that they are laborers in the vineyard of God. In his Homily today, Fr. John Kizito Manzi said that each of them is the garden in their different ways. The priest said that God has given them different jobs in this vineyard and God is the owner of the Vineyard. Fr. Manzi said that God has leased the land to them to produce harvests.
The priest said that prophets were rejected when they tried to tell people the truth those days and the same can still happen in present life of the church. Fr. Manzi informed them that God sent his only son to liberate them. He urged them to take responsibility of this land in a loving, caring and honest manner.
Fr. Manzi urged the faithfuls to be always praying to God in peace and love. He added that they can produce good fruits when they do good things in there lives and vice versa. He said that God is loving and caring and is always ready to welcome them into his kingdom when they realize that they have sinned and turn back to him, he forgives them. He urged them to be thankful to all the gifts God has given them and share them with other people so as to bring peace and reconciliation to all in the society. He added that God expects them to love, obey and serve him always.

Local news – 01.10.2011 - zacheaus otaba - The old celebrate the international day

Hundreds of old people from various parts of Turkana county today converged at the office for the aged, to celebrate the world day for the old. Speaking during the celebrations, the help age co-coordinator Mr. Stephen Esukuku said that this was part of the celebrations that they normally have every 1st of October.
He blamed high consumption of alcohol by the old, that drags them from reaching the organizations target of better health among the old. At the same time the diocesan children's department officer Mrs. Eunice Majuma urged the old to maintain hygiene in their homes. She added that they should make sure that they sleep under treated nets lest they are transmitted with malaria.
During the celebrations, 135 old people were issued with nets and sheets that were donated by karatasi organization, through the diocese of Lodwar.

LOCAL NEWS - 26TH SEP 2011 - GLADYS NDERITU - Equip people with knowledge on hiv/aids

Turkana outreach ministry self help group since yesterday has been holding a training in Bishop Mahon center. The training was aimed at equipping people with knowledge about HIV & Aids and other sexually related diseases.
It was a successful training and those who attended were encouraged to know their status and those on ARVS are trained how to use them .
The chairperson Paul Ekal said that people should accept their status and those who have not yet been tested should visit the hospital as soon as possible. He said that knowing the status will help as one will get medical attention as soon as possible and will be advised on proper feeding and ways of preventing infections and with that one can live longer.
He added that one should not be ashamed of their status as it is a national disaster . He encouraged people to use protective measures when having sexual affairs to avoid transmissions.