Local news – 18.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - Cultivate Social responsibility in your work

The staff of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar have been urged to cultivate social responsibilities in their various activities in the Diocese. Speaking today during mass at St. Thomas Chapel, The vicar General Fr, Joseph Ekalimon challenged the staff to have the hearts of the various people they serve at their hearts so as to deliver quality services to them.

The Staff were told to make a step beyond their various job descriptions and learn to be patient and tolerant. He also added that the staff have to evaluate what they are doing and discern the bad deeds and plant in their place good attitude and mentality.

The priest said that the best way they can help their friends is by being straight in their lives and accountable in their actions. He asked them to break the chains of discriminations in their midst and above all offer themselves to service of others.

Local news – 17.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - The Sacred Heart of Jesus Group receive two members as they celebrate their feast day

The sacred Heart of Jesus prayer group which has been preparing for their feast day today had their climax at St. Augustine's Cathedral Church where two more new members were received in the group by the Vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon. The members had a night vigil in the preparation for this important day.

The old members during the mass also had time to renew their commitments to the group. Fr. Ekalimon told them to be aware of the love of Christ which is Natural and that they should nature it so as to remain in Love of Christ. Fr. Ekalimon gave them various kinds of love saying that God's Love supersede all the four types that can either be portrayed by the Father to the son or daughter and emphasized on the Agape love which is unending one for all the people.Fr. Ekalimon said that when one disobeys God he or she is does not love him. He challenged the Christians to change from their old habits and emulate the heart of Jesus in every days undertakings. The priest urged the Christians to be responsible with the riches of God so as to change oneself and the entire world. Touching on the gospel of the day, Fr. Ekalimon said that the blood and water that came from the heart of Jesus saves them and nourishes.

Fr. Ekalimon also said that the love of God is portrayed in the sacraments which give them new life every time they receive. He called upon all present to be Agents of peace and unity and not divisions as a way of emulating the sacred heart of Jesus. He asked them to shan away from hate, grudges and replace them with Love of Neighbor, self and above all God.

Local NEWS – 16.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Government to promote rights of the disabled

The government has come out clearly that it is committed to protecting, respecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of children with disabilities. Speaking during the commemoration of the Day of an African Child, at Crusade grounds today, Loima D.O 1, Mr. Bernard Odino who was the Guest of Honor, said that apart from the fact that the government is engaging itself in promoting the welfare of the disabled, it is the responsibility of everyone to raise awareness about rights, capabilities, and potential of children with disabilities who are particularly vulnerable to marginalization and gender based violence.

Odino reiterated that there is need for all actors including civil societies to help in creating awareness at the community level. This year the theme of the commemoration is The rights of children with disabilities. The main duty being to protect, respect, promote and fulfill their needs.

In Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot, the most famous of which being Hector Peterson. More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured. This day, therefore, is commemorated to remember those who lost their lifes in that mayhem.

The commemoration was organized by World Vision Kenya, International Rescue Committee, The Government of Kenya through the District Children office, The Greater Turkana Civil Societies Network, TWADO and Child Fund.

LOCAL NEWS - 15th June 2012 - By PETER LOKATUR - People living with HIV (PWP) trained on how to reach out to the general public at the community leve

A five-day workshop aimed at training people living with HIV (PWP) reach out to the general public at the community level, ended today. Speaking at Anna Nanjala Educational Center, Elizabeth Glasier Paediatrics Aids Foundation(EGPAF) Provincial Coordinator, Mrs. Esther Papa, said that the PWP team has acquired appropriate skills which will enable them educate the community on how to protect, prevent and interact positively with those living with the virus.

Mrs. Papa also added that the team will sensitize the committee on the importance of family planning in relation to the HIV victims and the discordant couples as well.

According to the coordinator, the main challenge encountered by those living with the virus is stigmatization. She said that was the apex that makes the victims shy away from the rest of the community. She urged the community at large to make frequent visitations to the health facilities so as to enable them know their status.

The workshop, which was organized by EGPAF in collaboration with Ministry of Health, brought on board participants from all the six districts within the county.

LOCAL NEWS – 12.06.2012 - BY KEN SIMIYU - There is need to find permanent solution to regional disasters

The Lutheran world federation have started a three day training at st. Teresa pastoral center today on disaster reduction.

The area coordinator Mr. Okelo Arwenyi said that they have an aim of looking for the best ways that can be used to reduce the conflict of drought and floods which the main challenges in Turkana county. He pointed out that a part from risks like drought and floods, there is neighbor conflicts and ignorance.

He noted that as the donors are facing out their donations to the organizations in the region and that there is no changes in the current situations, there is need look for long term solutions. Mr. Okelo said that they have realized that they have not gotten the root cause, so there is need to involve the community in getting the solution to the same problem.

The NGO is training different stake holders that will interact directly with the community, collect their views and implement. The coordinator, insisted that there is need to change the community from the old tradition to the modern ways. The workshop will end end on Thursday.

Local NEWS – 11.06.12 - By Peter LOKATUR - Fishermen urged to use appropriate fishing gears

Turkana County Fisheries Office has raised concerns over the deteriorating income obtained from the fishing sector in Lake Turkana. Speaking during an exclusive interview with the press at Splash Guest House in Lodwar town, Mr. Michael Saina, the County Fisheries Officer said Lake Turkana has the capacity to enable the surrounding community harvest 25,000 metric tonnes of fish per annum if only it would use the appropriate fishing gears.

The fisheries officer further attributed last year's decline in the fish harvest of 8,000 Metric tonnes which is an equivalent of 300 Million Kenya shillings, to the regular use of illegal fishing gears by the fishermen in Lake Turkana. Such practices, according to Saina, enable the fishermen acquire a lot of under-sized fish hence reducing the number of fish that survive to the ripe age for harvesting.

Echoing the same sentiments, the Vice Chairman, Lake Turkana Water Body Network, Mr. Onesmus Mepe Lolepo called on the fishermen to use the Size-5 fishing nets, authorized by the ministry of Fisheries, to avoid colluding with the law.

The ministry of fisheries is working hand in hand with other institutions within the county to see the realization of a rise in fish harvest in Lake Turkana.

Local news – 10.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - The body of Christ resembles our own bodies: says priest

The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said that Christ is present in the lives of people in various forms. Fr. Ekalimon said this today at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish when celebration corpus Cristi. Fr. Ekalimon led the procession from the Mikeka grounds to the Cathedral Church with the Blessed sacrament.

Fr. Ekalimon also said that Jesus was human like them and was born and brought up like any other child in an African setting who was socialized according to the traditions of the community. He added that the nativity of Jesus was like of any other person.

Fr. Ekalimon also added that Jesus reveals himself to them as the Eucharistic Body of Christ which they eat and drink every day during mass and satisfies them both spiritually and materially. Christ also makes himself present to them through the sacraments. He urged them to unite as the body of Christ irrespective of their various affiliations and status since the church is one holy and apostolic.Fr. Ekalimon urged the Christians to respect the Eucharist and prepare themselves well before receiving the body of Christ through penance. He added that Christ offers them what they cannot get from any other person and challenged them to receive with disciplined hearts. Christ to be the king and shepherd of their lives now and forever.

Local news – 10.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - The body of Christ resembles our own bodies: says priest

The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said that Christ is present in the lives of people in various forms. Fr. Ekalimon said this today at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish when celebration corpus Cristi. Fr. Ekalimon led the procession from the Mikeka grounds to the Cathedral Church with the Blessed sacrament.

Fr. Ekalimon also said that Jesus was human like them and was born and brought up like any other child in an African setting who was socialized according to the traditions of the community. He added that the nativity of Jesus was like of any other person.

Fr. Ekalimon also added that Jesus reveals himself to them as the Eucharistic Body of Christ which they eat and drink every day during mass and satisfies them both spiritually and materially. Christ also makes himself present to them through the sacraments. He urged them to unite as the body of Christ irrespective of their various affiliations and status since the church is one holy and apostolic.Fr. Ekalimon urged the Christians to respect the Eucharist and prepare themselves well before receiving the body of Christ through penance. He added that Christ offers them what they cannot get from any other person and challenged them to receive with disciplined hearts. Christ to be the king and shepherd of their lives now and forever.

Sports – 10.06.2012 - by Ken Simiyu - Europa kicks off while Chelsea fans celebrate their win

The 14^th edition of Europe cup kicked off on 8^th June, and so far 8 teams have already played. Poland drew 1-1 against Greece, while Russia crushed Czech republic 4-1, Netherlands was defeated 1-0 by Denmark and Germany beat Portugal 1-0.

Internally, the Chelsea fans in Turkana county, held a party yesterday to celebrate their winning of two cups of FA and champions league at Turkwel lodge. The Turkana branch chairman missionary John Nakara Lodepe said that apart from celebrating the win, they also intended to select the committee of Chelsea fans in the county.

During the ceremony, missionary gave 5000 shilings for the Turkana FKF madaraka day cup champions, Nawoitorong Ranges and urged them to maintain discipline and be committed in building their talents.

Elsewhere, Mahon girls smashed Nakwamekwi girls 2-0 in the leg bell played at prisons ground. This was after the match between the rocks of kanam and Nakwamekwi failed to materialize.

Local NEWS – 09.06.2012 – By Ken Simiyu - EARTH MOVERS DRAW 4-4 AGAINST THE ROCKS OF KANAM

The friendly match which was played at prison ground between Earth movers VS the rocks of Kanam ended in a draw of 4-4 Mahindra scored 3 goals then Moses scored 1. The goals for Kanam were scored by Etoo 2 goals Maina 1 then Akimat 1. The game was highly disciplined, with the fans praising the new FKF office for their effort of trying to change the Turkana football.

Elsewhere at Katilu, Katilu Fc thrashed Kainuku 1-o. The Kainukumet ir and the game ended 1-1 forced them to play penalty shoot out where by Kainuku won 4-1. the final was to be played between Katilu VS Kainuku but it was postponed. the game was organized by African development program [ADP] in conjunction with world vision.

Local NEWS – 09.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - APAD tours S.A Nawoitorong' Mixed, to create awareness on Environment

Secondary schools have been urged to start environment clubs to help contribute towards the betterment of the environment in the county. Speaking at S.A Nawoitorong' Mixed Secondary School late yesterday during a one day seminar, facilitated by APAD, the Advocacy and Governance Manager, Mr. Davis Wafula said the only way to combat environmental pollution is by encouraging the formation and sustainability of clubs which will help address on issues that touch on the environment as a whole.

The seminar which brought on board students and teachers saw them raise concerns over the rising temperatures, Fishing of premature fish in Lake Turkana in Kalokol and rampant burning of charcoal. They challenged APAD to intervene in those issues so as to help see the Public Health Department wake up and do its work noting that waste management and hygiene in Lodwar town was pathetic.

APAD promised to play its role fully and noted that it would take the awareness to all secondary schools in the county.

Local news – 08.06.2012 - By Ken Simiyu - Prison warders finally graduate

The Lodwar GK prison warders who have been undergoing a four day training on human rights, have finally graduated today.

The deputy officer in charge of the station chief inspector James Obiero said that the training was necessary to his officers since they are handling people who are vulnerable. He insisted that officers should know criminal procedures so that they help the inmates in writing appeals.

He urged the community to stop stigmatizations to the inmates since after their service in prison, they will still join the community.

The training which was organized by the peace and justice diocese of Lodwar, brought together more than 20 officers, who were issued certificates of merit. During the issuing of the certificates, some of the officer had a reason to smile after receiving good news of promotion. Some could not hide it. Else where, 16 stakeholders from Turkana central child protection and gender based violence, met today at golden guest house to review the terms of reference and work plan for the net work. The meeting was organized by International Rescue Committee (IRC) GBV desk and World Vision child protection office.

Local NEWS – 07.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Government praised for its good working relations with Non-Governmental Organizations

The government of Kenya has been given a positive applause for the good role it is playing towards the sustainability and growth of Non-Governmental Organizations within Turkana County. Speaking today at Splash guest house, during the Stakeholders Meeting, Mr. Davis Wafula, the Governance and Advocacy Manager of Advocacy for Pastoralists Development(APAD), said the organization has a good working relationship with the government through its ministrys' departmental officers.

He thanked the heads of several government ministerial departments within the county for playing the first role in making sure that the Turkana people, who are pastoralistic in nature, have good access to any aid extended to them by the government.

APAD has, in the course of its operations, diversified its activities to include Food Security in Turkwel and Kalemnyang', Advocating for Environmental conservation and Issuance of Revolving Loans to the vulnerable youth and mothers. Besides this, the organization has got many plans which it wants to achieve in the course of its survival.

APAD, which was formed back in 2000 in Loima so as to advocate for peace between the Turkana and Karamoja in Moroto, met its County Steering Committee yesterday. Today's meeting, according to Mr. Davis enabled the stakeholders to have a clear report on the progress of the organization and also to engage with them so that they can advise APAD on how it should forge ahead.

The stakeholders meeting, which was also facilitated by Mariao Areng', the Conflict and Resolution Programmes Officer and Mr. Patrick Imana, the Programmes Co-ordinator brought on board Beach Management Units on the Lake shores, Farming groups from Lodwar, Turkwel and Kalemnyang' and Pastoralist groups from Loima.

LOCAL NEWS – 05.06.2012 - By Ken Simiyu - Handle prisoners with dignity, waders told

The peace and justice commission diocese of lodwar, in conjunction with the ministry of justice national cohesion and constitutional affairs together with humanitarian aid and civil protection, today started a four days training of prison warders and court liaisons officers at Anna Nanjala center.

Speaking during the launch of the training, advocate Mr. Ekaal Lokuruka said that there is need to educate the warders on the human rights when handling prisoners, which has been their greatest challenge to them. He added that protection of human rights of prisoners and creation of better working environment in prison is mandatory.

At the same time, chief inspector Mr. Nicholas Kipsang said that the warders are really pleased with the training that will equip them with knowledge to tackle the challenges they face during execution of their duties. He noted that with the current reforms, many course are offered in prison and that there is need for warders to fully equip to teach the same. The training which started today, will end on Friday 8^th.

Local news – 3.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - Unite like the holy trinity: Priest urges the Christians

The Christian community of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish have been urged to unite just as the father, son and the holy spirit are. Speaking during his homily today at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish, The parish priest of Lokori Fr. Leonard Tomia said that the three united in the creation of the human beings even in the beginning and still consult up to now.

Fr. Tomia challenged the thinking of human beings of placing God to be far from them saying that God is with them in form of the holy trinity since he is the word which become flesh and dwells in them. He told them that they adore him in the holy spirit which sanctifies the world. He also added that one can understand this misery if one has the faith and encouraged them to walk in the light of the holy spirit which removes them from darkness to light.

Fr. Tomia encouraged them to strengthen their relationship with God to be like that one between the father and the son/daughter likewise to the holy trinity and the Christians. He said that God is love and the one who lives in love lives in him and urged them to love one another.

Visiting the Cathedral church today were Party leader of URP Hon. William Ruto, MP Turkana central Hon. Ekwee Ethuro, Party Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo and Elgeyo Markwet Mp in meeting the people tour in Turkana county. They invited the Christians to join them in their rally later in the course of the day. They also made their contributions in advance towards the Jubilee Plaza Fundraising of 250.000/-,200,000/= from Ruto, 30.000/= from Ekwee and 10.000/each from Kaparo and his colleague. We wish them the best in their campaigns.

LOCAL NEWS – 03.06.12 - By Zacheaus Otaba - Its no longer time to say you do not belong to us, says the director

The director of the friends of Lake Turkana ms. Ikal Angelei has called for Turkana people to work together as one community, without regional divisions.

Addressing journalist today in Lodwar town during her home coming, she said that the Goldman Environmental Prize for Africa 2012 award that she won is not her personal, but for the community. She said that the journey, which started 4years ago was not meant to benefit individuals, but for the community living around lake Turkana and who would face starvation, if river omo project had continued.

The first 21^st century Kenyan environmental award winner said that lake Turkana is not only for Turkana people, but also Rendile, Dusnach and others with a population more than 5000 people who are are direct beneficiaries.

She called for the community to make sure that they maintain their historical sites, that are tourist attraction centers for this county. Ikaal insisted that with the coming of tullow oil, all people should be given employment equally, irrespective of their regional origin.

Local news – 3.6.12 - By Mary Tioko - Unite like the holy trinity: Priest urges the Christians

The Christian community of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish have been urged to unite just as the father, son and the holy spirit are. Speaking during his homily today at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish, The parish priest of Lokori Fr. Leonard Tomia said that the three united in the creation of the human beings even in the beginning and still consult up to now.

Fr. Tomia challenged the thinking of human beings of placing God to be far from them saying that God is with them in form of the holy trinity since he is the word which become flesh and dwells in them. He told them that they adore him in the holy spirit which sanctifies the world. He also added that one can understand this misery if one has the faith and encouraged them to walk in the light of the holy spirit which removes them from darkness to light.

Fr. Tomia encouraged them to strengthen their relationship with God to be like that one between the father and the son/daughter likewise to the holy trinity and the Christians. He said that God is love and the one who lives in love lives in him and urged them to love one another.

Visiting the Cathedral church today were Party leader of URP Hon. William Ruto, MP Turkana central Hon. Ekwee Ethuro, Party Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo and Elgeyo Markwet Mp in meeting the people tour in Turkana county. They invited the Christians to join them in their rally later in the course of the day. They also made their contributions in advance towards the Jubilee Plaza Fundraising of 250.000/-,200,000/= from Ruto, 30.000/= from Ekwee and 10.000/each from Kaparo and his colleague. We wish them the best in their campaigns.

Local NEWS – 01.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Poor road network and the breaking of the river banks takes the centre stage during the Madaraka Day Cele

As Kenyans mark the 49^th Madaraka Day, residents of Turkana Central District have raised concerns that they have nothing to delight for since they have been going through so many frustrations in the reign of all the successive governments. Speaking to Akicha radio, Margaret Akiru, a resident of Napetet Ward said they are engulfed with sorrow because they have a poor road network system that is a threat to many livelihoods among other issues.

Same sentiments were echoed by Kawalathe Ward Councillor, Mr. Ebulon, who said there is need for a permanent solution to the only threat within the township. He said the threat is River Kawalase bridge which has been neglected for quite some time by the authorities concerned within the government.

He further said the fact that Kawalathe river keeps on breaking its banks towards Lodwar town is a big threat to its developmental activities.

The councilor also emphasized that there is need to bring in transparency and accountability in Free Primary Education, Employment opportunities and improvement of the welfare of the house maids by their employers. The vice chairman, Turkana County Council, Mr. David Ekod also pleaded with the government to be extra serious on the issues concerning Kawalathe River.

Local News – 01.06.2012 - By Peter LOKATUR - Residents of Turkana Central join other Kenyans in celebrating the 49th Madaraka Day.

Residents of Turkana central district today were among thousands of millions of kenyans celebrating the 49^th Madaraka Day since Kenya attained its independence back in 1963. Many locals could not hide their happiness.

Speaking during the celebrations, His worship mayor of Lodwar municipality, Mr. David Kinyonge, thanked the government for the good role it has played through the provincial administration, by ensuring that insecurity levels have dropped tremendously. Kinyonge also added that the Kazi kwa Vijana funds have been received and will start using them sooner than later.

On the other hand Mr. Humphry Nakitare, the Turkana Central District Commissioner, praised the government for being considerate to the people of Turkana. He said the government has given Sh. 18 million to the Children officer so as to help the vulnerable children access education and other necessities. Mr. Nakitare also added that very soon the local IDPs will get proper housing among other upkeeps.

Among the politicians present was Cllr. Lazaro Eyangan, who welcomed the new County Commissioner, Mr. Julius Mathenge, and urged him to be ready to tackle the challenges ahead of him in his new responsibility.

The president of the republic of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, in a speech read by the county commissioner said the government has allocated 30 million shillings per constituency for repair and maintenance of rural roads in the current financial year, through the Roads Maintenance Fund. The president's speech has come two days after a bus overturned several times killing 18 people, along the Kitale-Lodwar highway.

LOCAL NEWS – 30.05.2012 - The Atukuro Akiyar self help group mobilizes 580 farmes

The Atukuro Akiyar self help group mobilized 580 farmers in Turkana county near St. Teresa center to work on 18ha.

Speaking during the interview at St. Teresa's farmyard, Mr. Samwel Lopeyo said that the project started on 23^th of June 2011 and registered to social services office initially they had 363 farmers but now increased up to 580. At first they were given seeds with agriculture department.

Mr. Lopeyo said that Barnard has been very close to the farmers giving them a lot of support by providing seedling and also some financial to boost their project. Elsewhere at Kambi mawe village, the manyata house burned to down yesterday at 3am .

During the visit at the incident the owner of the house Mr. David Ekiru said that the incident occurred at the time he was preparing to cook maandazi for sell. The fire explode spreading up to the roof and finally to the neighbors house.

Mr. Ekai said that nothing was rescued in his house but they only managed to rescue the neighbors properties in that no injuries or death was reported.