Local news – 29.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - It is not enough to be a priest, be a holy priest: Bishop says

Bishop Dominic Kimengich urges the priests of Lodwar diocese to strife to be holy priests instead of just being priests. His lordship said this today during his homily at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish when celebrating Vocation Sunday Mass.

His Lordship reminded them that,Vocation Sunday is God's Gift to them, the Priesthood. As Christ is a good shepherd he reminded them to be good shepherds in the diocese and make their parishes holy places of people to come for solace. He also informed the Christians that they have been called in their various responsibilities and have to take them seriously since they serve God.

He called the Christians to pray for the Gift of priesthood in the Diocese of Lodwar mentioning that there are only 12 Diocesan priests in the Diocese and 8 seminarians which he says is still far below the distances covered in the Diocese.

The vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon also added that those who join religious life and priesthood are those who say yes to God's call and requested parents to soften their hearts to let their children accept God's call. He added that priest vow for chastity's, poverty and obedience and need to intensify in their prayers so as to remain faithful to their call.

Local News – 28-04-2012 - By Evangeline Munyi - Deaconate Ordination

It was colour and pomp today at Christ the King Parish, Lokichar, when Teddy Keyari Njaya celebrated his Diaconate ordination which was officiated by Bishop Dominic Kimengich.

Keyari, who professed his first vows on 29^th April 2006 in Uganda, is the newest Deacon in the Comboni Missionaries Congregation here in the diocese.

During his homily, Bishop Dominick said it  was indeed a blessing for the people of Lokichar to have brought  Christians of Matunda Parish to Lokichar for the first time. He thanked the Comboni Missionaries & Teddy’s  parents for giving the diocese a deacon.

He advised Keyari to be ready to serve God and His church unconditionally.

The colorful celebration brought together priests from various parts of the diocese, Matunda Parish and the Diocese of Eldoret, where Keyari comes from. Visitors from as far as Mexico were present to witness the great day for people of Lokichar and more so for Teddy Keyari.

The regional Superior of the Comboni Missionaries who was present together with Matunda Parish Priest thanked the people of Lokichar  and the diocese of lodwar as a whole for the Blessing of Deacon Teddy.

Local news – 26.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - There is need to Care for the survivors of Gender Based ViolenceLocal news – 26.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - There is need to Care for the survivors of Gender Based Violence

Training for the Care for the survivors of Gender Based Violence started yesterday at Golden Guest house Lodwar. The workshop which was organized by International Rescue committee Gender based Violence Senior officer Mr. Ken Otieno and Gender Based Violence Officer Mrs. Phoebe kaaman is scheduled to take three days starting yesterday and ending tomorrow the 27^th April 2012.

The training provides all the participants understanding of the dynamics and consequences of GBV in conflicts affect areas , both physical and psychological effects. It also provides participants the tools to use in survivors centred skills when engaging with survivors, including child survivors, practice survivors-centred skills in specific context, it provides all the participants with information on the different roles and responsibilities of all actors engaging with survivors and protection activities and justice mechanisms involving survivors of gender based violence.

The participants were drawn from all walks of life ranging rom medical practioners to social workers from central Deanery. The training will end tommorow with action plans drawn from recommendations of the training.

Local news - by safari Wycliffe – 24.4.2012 - Prayers for young people as they go towards the end of the conference

Youth conference that started yesterday markeddd the climax as the Bishop of the dioses of LodwaDominicic kimengich came to offer his blessings to the youth who had came for the conference since yesterday. Speaking to the youth the Bishop advised the students to put emphasis on their studies and work hard in life to achieve their dreams in life and make a choice that will bring positive impact. The bishop also told the students to respect their call as an example. Quoting from the latest event of Easter the Bishop told the youth to rise and stand still in every challenge they go through in life He told them anything chirst did he did it perfectly and so as youth they should be able to do everything perfectly and in a positive way. Giving the example from the daily life The bishop said we learn from the Phone network which he said when the network is full in a phone the conversation will not be interfered and so he said youth should have full Christian network to help them in their daily life Finally, he wished youth the best in their daily life as they take day to day activities and thanked Fr. Ekalimonn, Philip lobur, Peter Kebo and the group for everything and good work of helping the youth.

Local News – 22.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - Jesus is alive today in our church in the sacraments says priest

The Christian Community of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish today have been urged to participate in the sacraments of the Church. Speaking during the mass at St. Augustine's cathedral parish in his homily, the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar who is also the Administrator of the cathedral parish Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said that Jesus is alive to them in the 7 sacraments of the Church. Fr. Ekalimon reminded the faithfuls of the 7 sacraments of the church and there importance saying that the sacrament of penances cleanses one making him/her free in this world. It also transforms them. He added that the sacrament of Eucharist feeds there souls and strengthens them. Mentioning on the sacrament of Confirmation he said that Christians receive the seven gifts of the holy spirit when confirmed and that strengthens and helps them in their day to day lives.Fr. Ekalimon challenged the Christians to stand up and be counted when things go wrong in their midsts saying that, transforming lives shows that they are witnessing the risen Christ and are ready to preach the good news to others who do not believe in him.

Local news - by Sofari Wycliffe – 21.4.2012 - Turkana football Club goes for Election

All football clubs today elected their officials in an election that was held at Bishop Mahon's Centre, Lodwar. The election which was presided over by a Kenya Football Federation representative hit a snag when he refused to officiate following Lodwar clubs' failure to pay him Allowance. However, finally after negotiation Mr......Ouma, who had traveled from Kitale agreed to officiate without any allowance. Jackson Nakusa from Earth Movers was elected to the post of the chairman while Lowoko Johnson was elected vice. The Secretary's seat was taken by Stephen Esipitar of Kalokol FC. His vice will be Daniel Edaan Ekiru from Supper United FC. Francis Erukudi was elected to the post of the treasurer. He comes from Earth Movers FC. Lotuwo Zakayo from Loki FC took the post of Vice Treasurer. Eric Long'ole and Jacinta Nangiro were elected men and women representatives respectively. The question of how money allocated by the Government for promotion of sports in the County was raised with some of the members that they had no idea how it was used and called on the sports officials to clear the air.

LOCAL NEWS - BY SOFARI WYCLIFFE – 18.4.2012 - Turkana county children elect new leaders for another termLOCAL NEWS - BY SOFARI WYCLIFFE – 18.4.2012 - Turkana county children elect new leaders for another term

Children's representative from different parts of the county today manage to elect new official for another two years term. The members elected in a free and fair election. post contested were Children's Governor, deputy Governor, speaker ,deputy speaker and clerk. Speaking to the children from the whole part of the county Mr. John Onditi OCPD told the children that it is important for them to know their rights and report any person abusing them in whichever way be it development rights, Right to protection, early marriage and negative culture. Mr Onditi tried so much to convince the children the positive side of joining police forces as most parents tend to scare children of being taken to the police station and get punished when they make mistakes and that lives the children scared of joining police forces in future. Mr Onditi encouraged The parents to develop open forums to enable parents solve the differences between them that might create misunderstanding and children. He further said the Children should not only focus on rights but also the responsibilities and duties. Mr Korir the children officer for turkana encouraged the students to report any behavior that might risk their life in whichever way, Mr Korir thanked the children for being disciplined for the few days in the meeting,They are planning for a trip to Eliye springs tomorrow morning.

Local News – 15.04.2012 - By Okoth Peter - Be your brother's keeper; christians advised

Christians have been advised to live by the church's tradition by supporting each other in their Christian lives.
In his homily today, the Vicar General, Joseph Ekalimon, said the early church was structured in a way that emphasized importance of supporting each other, giving the Small Christian Communities (Jumuyias) that are found in our church as a good example.
The Vicar General also reminded Christians the importance of bringing about change saying that good change will benefit the entire community adding that in order for this change to take place, each and everyone of us should be willing to take part in it.
He called upon all Christians wherever they may be to be instruments of change by first of all accepting it and then practicing it in whatever they do, my it be at their places of work, business or any other.
He thanked both Catholic Women and Men Associations (CWA and CMA) for their resolve to be active during the Jubilee year by giving their contributions. While CWA has pledged to purchase seats that will be used during official functions, CMA will purchase tent materials.
To this effect, the CMA is scheduled to hold Harambee on 21st April at Bishop Mahon Centre and all have been asked to give assistance.
The Vicar General further said that apart from such undertakings, the Parish has been asked to contribute Kshs. 500, 000 towards Jubilee celebration which will entail putting up Jubilee Plaza in Lodwar town in commemoration of the Church's services in Turkana County among other things.

LOCAL NEWS - BY SOFARI WYCLIFFE – 12.4.2012 - AKICHA EDITORIAL TEAM CARRY OUT AN IN HOUSE TRAINING

Akicha newsreporters today had their in house meeting to check on different issues partaining news writing.
Chief Editor Akicha Radio Mr Zachaues Otaba organized the meeting in order to help in efficient running of the studio and improvement in the news department.
Running across the news reporting to editorial Mr Otaba re-emphasized on the importance of keeping the key value in writing reporting and reading news. The meeting was attended by staff among other people interested in knowing much about the editorial work. Though news being a difficult part in the Radio department, Mr Otaba told the reporters and other people to be strong and courageous when collecting news touching on the county in order to help the local people who are not getting the best out of editorial team.
He further said reporting needed courage and strength because a lot of challenges are in the field includes reporting some things that might touch the community in different ways and that which might not even be pleasing to the higher people in various positions in the county
The meeting ended today with an encouragement from Him who said reporters are the eyes of the county and without them nothing is going to bring change at all. He thanked them for the good cooperation and understanding and wished the they best of lack in the field as they went back to work.

Local news – 4.4.12 - By Sofari Wycliffe and Mary Tioko - Be other Christ: Bishop Says.

Priest from all the parishes of Lodwar Diocese yesterday converged at St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish for the blessing of Oils liturgically known as Chrism Mass. The holy mass was celebrated by Bishop Dominic Kimengich who also had chance of meeting with his priests.
Addressing the Priests in his Homily, His Lordship Dominic told the priests that their call to priesthood is a special gift which they have to treasure and guard it well against the pleasures of the world. His lordship said that the priests represent Christ in their various parishes and that the holiness of every parish depends to the holiness of the Priest in charge. He informed them that they are the other Christ.
His Lordship informed the priest that their presence in the parishes gives the parishioners Grace as their blessings makes them clean in the sacrament of penance. He also informed them to make some of the rooms special for prayers so as to be communicating with their God always. He said that when they place prayer places away from them they also become far from God. His Lordship added that the Eucharist celebration has to be respected and that priest should be prepared when going to celebrate it.
As they renewed their commitment to God, priests also blessed the holy oils that are used to anoint the sick, Catechumens and Ordinations. He encouraged the laity to support the priests and help them to continue following christ. Bishop Kimengich wished all a happy Easter as they go back to their various Parishes.

Local news – 3.4.2012 - By Sofari Wycliffe and Michael Simiyu Nyongesa - Teachers urged to preach Abstinence in schools

Teachers and parents today at St. Teresa pastoral Center had a chance of sharing issues pertaining school children. Abstinence was the key issue geared towards youth leading better lives in future. The workshop which was organized by Diocesan Education Secretary Sr. Rose Macharia brought together 12 Participants.
The conference which started on Monday this week came to an end with a word of challenge from Rose Macharia who urged teachers to spear head the fight against H.I.V AIDS
Sr. Rose Macharia on her Teachings emphasized on the importance of teaching the pupils and students on abstainers and not to stigmatize any if infected in schools.
She further challenged the parents to be close to their children in order to help them if one is positive to live positively and if one is negative to abstain to help them be a confidant as they proceed with their studies .
She re-emphasized on teachers drugs avoidance to avoid poor performance as they are a role model in schools. She quoted that the seed they plant in the lives of those children will be reflected in future. She told the teachers to preach abstinence to help the coming generation live a free H.I.V ADS life.

Local news – 1.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - Palm Sunday celebrations

Christians of St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish have been encouraged to thank God for his Gift of Jesus Christ to them. Speaking During his homily, Bishop Dominic Kimengich said that Christ humbled himself to an extend of riding on a donkey when entering Jerusalem. He said this when celebrating the palm Sunday mass at St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish at the beginning of the holy week. The faithfuls were encouraged to be people of patience as Christ himself persevered until death. He also urged the faithful to learn to be patient as there is no short cut in the word of God. He said this when the faithfuls showed restlessness when the long readings of the day were read. He also informed them that when they have Christ in their lives they will always remain upright in their day to day lives. That reminds them of their salvation. Speaking on the discovery of Oil in the County, his lordship recalled on his visit few days ago to Lokori Parish where he had a chance of blessing the area where the oil has been found popularly known as Ngamia 1 on his way. He added that the oil discovery in Turkana County can either bring blessings or curse to the county saying that some Kenyans have already shown interest of Coming to grab the area where oil is found. He also mentioned on the rumors that the place where oil was discovered has been sold at 800 million shillings! He told the Christians and the people of Turkana County to thank God for that gift of oil.

Local news – 28.3.2012 - By Ken Simiyu and Francis Kamar -County ball games called off

The county ball games expected to have been carried out today have left fans wondering as none of the teams have appeared at the scheduled pitch in Lodwar mixed primary school.
This comes a week after dilemma that arose between the district games committee and the DEOs office in Turkana central district which was supposed to be the host of the county event. Contacted over the phone, the DEO Turkana south confirmed that his district has no team to present, while the DEO Turkana North said that he had no idea if the games were to take place, while the DEO Turkana Central deciding that his district team will represent the county in the provincial levels.
Turkana county is anticipated to participate in this games at the provincial level that is to take place on 4th April. It has been assumed that primary games ends at the district level while secondary games go beyond district. However, all these has come after the claims that the district education offices do not have enough funds to run all co-curricula activities.
Last week the district sports board blamed the Turkana district officer for not responding positively on the camping and practicing of the selected pupils in the games to be.

Local news - By Sofari Wycliffe – 1.4.2012 - Holy family kanamkemer among the palm sunday celebree

The Holy Family Basilica Christians kanamkemer today celebrated their mass by having the sign of the cross walk from Kanamkemer white house to the main church a few kilometers from the starting point.In his homily the parish priest encouraged the Christian to be strong and look upon Christ as their Saviour in times of problems and never loose hope in him.
Giving illustration from the two disciples of Jesus Judas Iscariot and peter, The priest said the two disciples had their own interest to fulfill and not the Christ call within themselves. He encouraged the Christians to trust in God and look upon him even when thins are going bad than running into alternatives elsewhere
He further said no mater what negative plans people might have upon one at the end God's will must prevail giving the example of Joseph who was sold into slavery only for his brothers to realize they were preparing way for him contrary to their expectation.
He finished by saying that todays Sunday reminds Christian an idea of the pain and suffering of Jesus and so if Christians have to know the pain, they have to follow the Friday cross.

Local news – 26.3.12 - By Mary Tioko - The choices we have are Gifts, we need to preserve them : Says Priest

The Executive secretary to the Bishop's office of the Diocese of Lodwar Fr. John Kizito Manzi said that the choices people have are gifts which they need to preserve. Addressing the Diocesan secretariat during the Monday Staff Mass at St. Thomas Chapel today, Fr. Manzi said that work is a divine activity which was instituted by God Himself and people need to preserve their various responsibilities and work for God.
Fr. Manzi was giving an example of Mary the Mother of Jesus who took the responsibility of accepting to conceive Jesus without giving excuses who later become the Saviour of the whole world. He thus encouraged the staff to be committed to the work they are doing in the Diocese saying that it is their God given talent that they are working in their various capacities. He also added that whatever favors they have in life depends on the generosity of the one giving them referring to God or any other person giving you the opportunity.
Fr. Manzi also informed them that the choice of Mary teaches them to have responsibility to do the activities assigned to them and respond to the choices without allowing other items to destruct them from what they are expected to do. He assured them that God is with them and that they are struggling to be with Him.
Elsewhere the Director of eRko Mr. Marian C'auc'ik who is coordinating programmes since 1998 was invited to introduce his team as follows, Director of programmes in Nairobi office Jane Akach, Programme officer for eRko Darina and Radio Lumen Slovakia reporter Jana Veresova who came to monitor the funded projects in the Diocese.