Local news - 25.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - Ann Losikiria and Nicholas Echom – celebrate holy sacrament of Matrimony at St. Augustine's cathedral

Mr. Nicholas Echom who works in Help Age international and his wife Mrs. Ann Losikiria solemnized their marriage today at St. Augustine's cathedral parish ahead of couples day tomorrow. Witnessing the sacrament of the two couples saying to each other yes I do, the parish priest of St. Mary's Kalokol Parish Fr. Isaiah Ajiri said that this marriage celebrates the creation of man and woman right from the beginning. Fr. Ajiri said that the sacrament of matrimony reminds the two couples of the love of Christ that has no end. The priest informed the newly weds to be faithful to each other and above all put respect as their pillar. Fr. Ajiri also warned against the two evils that destroy marriages saying that woman and wealth make the marriages to break. He called upon all in marriage life to always remind each other of their first love which always has no end saying that just as Christ loved the church unconditionally, their love should be unconditional. He also rebuked the statement that the beautiful ones have not been born encouraging men to love their women even if they have Aged and respect them as their compliments in life. Fr. Ajiri also added that as long as the marriage exists then love should exist among couples and that when problems arise they should solve them amicably and consult Christ in prayer.

LOCAL news - 23 .08 .2012 - Ken Simiyu - The ford kenya chair Munyes supports PM on the irrigation project.

Ford Kenya National chairman who is also Turkana North MP Hon. John Munyes expressed his happiness to the Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga on his support and effort to Turkana community. Speaking yesterday during a ODM rally at Moi garden in Lodwar Town he said that he is Impressed with the prime minister's effort to support Agriculture in the county. Hon. Munyes said that he has witnessed more than three hundred million shillings given to Lokitaung and Todonyang for irrigation scheme and National Park, He also praised him on new District at Kibish where The kenya police reservist will be deployed and also commended on the issue of kawalase Lagha, and urged Hon. Ekwee Ethuro to act as it is the only road linking Lodwar to the Turkana North.

A one old child died when a taxi that they were traveling was involved in a road accident a long kakuma-Lodwar high way. The accident which occurred at around 9.30 am, was caused by the rare tyre burst and rolled several times, after crossing the last bridged which is around 8 kilometers from Lodwar town. According to the driver, Mr. John Njagi the vehicle had six passengers during the time of Accident. The victims were rushed to Lodwar district hospital where one child was pronounced dead on arrival, three admitted with Fractures while others were treated and discharged. Efforts to confirm with the police did not go through, since senior officers were out of town.

Local Sports – 21.8.12 - By Ken Simiyu - The Kakumatt Mashujaa cup leaque started today.

The kakumatt Mashujaa cup league kicked off at various playing grounds in Lodwar and kalokol towns. The League was officially opened by the In charge of kakumatt. Abdul and the FKF officials at Lodwar Mixed playing grounds at 3pm today. At kanamkemer primary school the rocks of kanamkemer was defeated by Super united of Nakwamekwei 3-1 goals. While at Lodwar mixed playing grounds state side thrushed mapro of Kanamkemer 4-2 goals. At state side, Kennedy Etot scored 2 goals, Charles Lokumachom scored 1 goal and Sam kerio 1 respectively. While at Mapros ,opened their first goal in 30mins through Michael lomosingo and Narwa Benson scored the second goal in 70mins. Elsewhere, Muslims travelled to kalokol whereby they drew 2-2 against Super Lions of Kalokol. More matches will be played tomorrow as from 3.30pm at the various fields.

Local news – 21.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - Raila launches 20 billion irrigation project in Todonyang today.

Prime minister Raila Odinga has launched a 10,000 hectares irrigation project in Todonyang’, Turkana North district to boost food security in Turkana County. The Shs. 20 billion project is funded by the Israeli and Kenyan government will be put under irrigation to produce maize, sorghum, vegetables and fruits to ease the food crisis frequently experienced. The Todonyang Irrigation Scheme is designed to promote irrigated agriculture integrated with livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and ecotourism. It will also generate employment and increase income for the betterment of livelihoods. The premier appealed to the local community to participate actively in order to reap maximum benefits accrued from the project. Odinga underscored the need to boost food security terming it as a critical aspect of our national life and important to national stability. Under that agreement, the Israeli government is to provide technical support to the development of the Todonyang irrigation project and the dry land agriculture ‘Furrows in the Desert Project’ at Lobur. Odinga who was accompanied by the Israeli ambassador to Kenya His Excellency Gil Haskel and other officials from the Embassy commended the Israel government for supporting the Turkana community on the project. At the same time the prime minister launched the Furrows in the Desert project at Lobur is designed to introduce sustainable dry-land agriculture through harnessing of surface and underground water resources using appropriate technologies for integrated crop and livestock enterprises. The project is a joint venture between the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) of Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, in collaboration with two Israel organizations; Brit Olam and AravaCenter for Sustainable Development.

Local news – 21.8.12 - By Ken Simiyu - Launching of the Judiciary open day in lodwar.

The Judiciary week matching day started today countrywide. In Lodwar the function was held at Mikeka Grounds in Lodwar town. The activities started at Lodwar law court and all Judiciary and stakeholders from Lodwar law court started matching from the court at 10.00 a.m, with the salvation army band providing the music, heading to the venue at mikeka grounds. All four heads of lodwar law courts were present, led by the principal magistrate, Hon. Edwin Mwaita, senior resident magistrate, Hon Harrison Barasa, chief resident magistrate, Hon Edwin Wasike and executive officer lodwar law court Mr. Joseph Elimlim. The main purpose of the function is to put court procedures open to the citizens. Speaking during the function, principal magistrate, Hon Edwin Mwaita, said that people should not fear the court because it is one of the way they can be helped to make sure their rights are honored. During the session, different departments including; lodwar prison, lodwar police forces were participated and they gave the procedures of the law as from the day the accused is arrested up to the day of imprisonment. Hon Mwaita, however, urged the citizen not to frame the cases to their friends for the sake of their own benefits. The main function will be tomorrow where the president of Judiciary, Dr. Hon Willy Mutunga, will be the speaker to teach lodwar residents about the open court.

LOCAL NEWS - 20.08.2012 - BY ZACHEAUS OTABA - Nicholas Ekai elected new board chairman for Riam Riam.

Riam Riam today held its first board election at Golden guest house, after it collapsed several years ago. During a slightly chaotic exercise, the so some delegates threatening to leave the room, eleven members were elected to the office. It forced the district development officer Mr. Jeremiah Apalia to take some time calm down the members who were protesting on some contentious issue including regional balance and gender. The exercise which was also challenging, so Dorcas Epusie being granted the position of treasurer as an automatic official. The DDO who was the presiding officer, urged the officials to be eyes of all Turkanas in the organization. He insisted that their actions will make them be recognized by the community and that they should not work in closed doors. Others who were elected include, Joseph Losuru who was elected vice chairman, Humphrey Amoni as vice secretary, Ezekiel Ejore elected as elder among others. The election was also witnessed by Lena Achila, the district Gender and social development officer for Turkana central and the organization's coordinator Mr. Joseph Elim.

Local News - 19.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - St. Augustine's cathedral parish leaders sworn in for another 3 year term today.

The parish leaders that have been undergoing leadership training for the last two days were sworn in today in a colorful celebration during mass by the St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish Administrator Fr. Joseph Ekalimon. The leaders who were drawn from the various outstations and the main parish received leadership skills from the Diocesan pastoral and lay office. Facilitating the workshop, the deputy coordinator of pastoral and lay office Mr. Thomas Nyapid said that the church leadership entails sacrifice and commitment. The in charge of catechists in the Diocese who also facilitated the workshop Mr. Simon Lorot encouraged all to support the leaders that they have given responsibility to represent them in church in the coming three years. Addressing the elected leaders , Fr. Ekalimon challenged them to take the responsibilities given to them with joy since the work they are doing is not their work but the work of God. He urged the leaders to be available to the people they represent, educate them and above all challenged them to fight injustices in the society in a prudent way. This also entails witnessing in words and actions. Fr. Ekalimon told them to practice their catholicism and that their image should portray their values. The Vicar challenged them to be different from other leaders who discriminate according to status and that they should love all they serve and make them their friends. Elsewhere, His lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich today at good shepherd kakuma parish, confirmed more thann 600 christians who came from alloutstationss of the parish. The Christians, whom some arrived to the parish yesterday, celebrated the mass with bishop.

Local news - 19.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - Eucharist contains all the Nutrients Christians needs to live.

Faithfuls from St. Augustine's Cathedral church have been informed today to seek all the necessary nutrients from the Holy Eucharist. Speaking today during his Homily, The vicar general who is also the parish Administrator of the Cathedral Fr. Joseph Ekalimon asked the faithfuls present in the church to practice their faith holistically by partaking the Eucharist, the liturgy of word and playing their roles effectively in small Christian communities. Fr. Ekalimon explained that the Eucharist is the protein in a catholic faithful, Liturgy of word being the Vitamins and the Small Christian community making the carbohydrates that makes the Christian healthy and fit to profess the Catholic faith.

The priest challenged the Christians that they are all created in the image and likeness of God. Referring to the participants of Talbot Center, the Vicar advised them to use their bodies as the Temples of the holy spirit which should be highly respected. The vicar in his parting shot took the opportunity to send a message of well wishes to all the Muslim Brothers and sisters as they celebrate id Ul fitri at the end of holy month of Ramadhan.

Local News – 18.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - Stakeholders from the entire Turkana County converged at st. Teresa's pastoral centre to discuss land issues to

The stakeholders from Turkana county converged today at St. Teresa's pastoral center from all the six districts in the Turkana County came to share and give their views on how they want the Turkana community land to be managed. The workshop that was organized by TWADO and APAD was sponsored by Resource Conflict institute (Reconcile) and Kenya land Alliance, brought together 35 Participants from the entire Turkana county to discuss at length suggestions to be presented to Reconcile organization and Kenya land Alliance in order to formulate policies that advocates good management of Natural resources especially Turkana community land that has become the endangered species in the Country. Speaking today during the workshop, Reconcile officer Mr. Ken Otieno said that they are working closely with the land transformation unit within the ministry of lands to ensure that the land issues are defined well and laws made to facilitate good management of the resources. Commenting on the land issues Mr. John Aule who was also in the meeting mentioned that many investors have shown interest in the Turkana community land because of the discovery of oil and warned the community to be very vigilant on the impulse selling of land that is meant to be for the pastoral activities.

Local news - By Ken Simiyu – 15.08.2012 - Turkana county urged to vote peacefully in the coming election.

The peace initiative team for Turkana county lead by the county commissioner had its forum on peaceful election, early this week. Speaking in the forum that was conducted in the last two days workshop at KMTC Lodwar the deputy chairman for peaceful election Mr. Joseph Aareng said that the initiative has been set up county wide to ensure peace during the elections. He said that the forum is determined to ensure no violence erupts during the next general elections. However the participants who were more than 90 from 6 districts in Turkana county, of which 30 members will be selected to represent the county at Nairobi for peaceful election forum next month. This comes just 7 months before the general election which will take place on 4^th of March 2013. The deputy chairman also noted that there is stiff penalty for the candidates who will not follow the implemented roles and break the law will face 6 years imprisonment or ksh. one million fine or both. Mr. Aareng however has requested the Turkana county people to be peaceful for sustainable development.

Local news - By Ghero Christine – 14.08.2012 - Newly Recruited nurses undergo an induction training.

USAID in conjunction with the Ministry of public Health and the Ministry of Medical Services, are conducting a four day training which is going on at the Splash guest house. Mr. Martin Kinyua the coordinator of the Funzo Kenya Project, said that, the training is giving an induction exercise to the newly hired nurses into the public services. He noted that this will give them the policies and the procedure of working in government, so that they can be able to deliver effective services to the public. He added that it has come to their notice that many are recruited but not all of them are inducted to the service. Mr. Kinywa said that it is his project's will, that after this service the nurses will be fully aware of what is expected of them. Kinyua hinted that the exercise is carried all over Rift valley province. Currently they are in Turkana and they hope to finish the entire Rift Valley in the few months possible so as to ensure that the public gets good medical services.

Local News – 12.8.12 - By Mary Tioko - To be Christ's follower entails being focused to Christ himself.

People always tend to say what they cannot do in life. Christians of St. Augustine's cathedral Parish were today told to live by examples in oder to imitate Christ whom they all aspire to follow in their lives. Addressing them during his homily, the vicar general who is also the parish administrator said that they have to live well and let what they do translate what is inside them. Fr. Ekalimon also said that God is alive and gives them his sacraments that portray his presence among them. He added that each person has the potentiality of performing something in life and urged the Christians to give each one of them an opportunity in life and above all give them a listening ear so as to understand them. He also said that they should not feel bad when their neighbors are blessed in one way or another encouraging them that their time is not yet ripe. Fr. Ekalimon also challenged them to put God first in their lives saying that their reference point should be Christ so as to succeed in life for he is the truth meter in their lives. Fr. Ekalimon advised the Christians to shan away from violence especially when approaching the election period and preach peace, love and unity to all those they meet in their lives. He also said that he will be out looking for anyone who will fuel violence and cause chaos in their midst and ensure that there is harmony and challenged all to engage dialogue instead of walking away in the midst of disagreement. Congratulating the Jubilee committee for their good work, Fr. Ekalimon appreciated the efforts done by all in cash and in kind towards the parish Harambee that raised 1,127,895/= in total. He also thanked the sacred heart for their good work as they took care of the visitors from outstations who came both in the leadership training and participated in fund raising of the church. To all those who contributed he says Asanteni sana!

Local news – 09.08.2012 - A 27 year old man sentenced to death by a Lodwar court for robbery with violence.

One man was sentenced to death by a Lodwar court after he was found guilty of robbery with violence. Fednand Madegwa Shivad who was an Administration police attached to Lokitaung police station appeared before principal magistrate Edward Mwaita, accused of robbing Brian Aridi. It is alleged that on December 8^th 2010, Shivad armed with a government riffle robbed Brian Aridi a bag containing ksh.273,000, one thuraya phone, one Nokia phone 5230, three phone chargers, one head phone, a novel entitled client personal, all valued ksh.342,000 and seriously wounded Martin Opiyo. Giving his judgment magistrate Mwaita said that it was wrong for the officer to use his powers wrong in robbing the the people he has to protect. The 27 year Shivada was slapped with the sentence to act as a lesson to other people who might be having the same intention, in the society.

Local news – By Christine Ghero - 18 street boys were arrested in Lodwar Town following police patrol on Thursday.

Following the claims of high rate of crime in town for the past three days, which led to the shooting of one suspect on Sunday has alerted the police to increase Patrol in Lodwar town. On Sunday morning the OCS ordered police officers to patrol in Lodwar town to reduce activities of robbery which has left many investors very worried of their businesses . During the patrol the police officers arrested 18 street boys who have been suspected in connection of crime in town, the boys are said to be of ages ranging between 10 to 15 years of ages. The 18 boys were taken to the children office ,they are now under the custody of the head of children's office Mr. Korir Sammy. Mr. Korir said that some of the arrested children have parents whom they will be reunited with them and for those who don't have will be attached to children centers. Some were identified and were taken home, 4 were from Nadirkonyen Street and exploited center. However Mr. Korir urged the parents to be responsible and take care of their children. Taking to Radio Akicha reporter, one of the boys nicknamedas (Fedha or Faliman) Said that some of them are in the streets to fend for themselves as they are orphans.

Local news - 7.8.12 - By Christine Ghero - PTA members from Turkana County urged to engage in activites that add value in schools.

Members of school management board in Turkana county want the ministry of education to be organizing education courses for board members to enable them play their roles effectively in management of schools. A one day workshop which was sponsored by Turkana county secondary school heads association at St. Teresa's Pastoral Center in Lodwar town was attended by the school boards representatives. Speaking during the training, the chairman of the heads Association in Turkana Mr. Ome Ali, said that the objective of the workshop was to educate the members of the board about their roles in school management to achieve the best in their work. During the session an Education Consultant Justine Lang'at cautioned the school board members against micro-managing school and advised to make strategic plans that will balance development of infrastructure and academic performance. Mr Lang'at however, urged the PTA representatives to avoid engaging in activities that add no value to the overall mission of their school.

Regional news – 05.08.2012 - by Zacheaus Otaba - Uhuru takes his campaign to Kajiado

Deputy prime minster Uhuru Kenyatta today, flagged off the ngong half marathon and attended a mass in st Mary's Catholic Church Kiserian. The dpm addressed residents of kiserian and upper matasia towns, accompanied by ass. Minister Ferdinandand Waititu and Kajiado North by election aspirants. Uhuru, who was latter joined by justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, ass. Minister Katoo Ole Mitito and MP Muskari Kombo, said that he ready to work with people same ideas with him. He insisted that he is ready to work with minister Wamalwa, and that people will conduct nomination, whoever wins among them will be granted support to the state house come next general election. Speaking at ngong stadium, Uhuru had a terse message for those spreading falsehoods that he won't contest in the elections, that he is in the race and will speak for himself. He vowed not to step for any body, insisting that it is only nomination that will determine his destiny.

However, he said that he will only listen to the ICC voice that will decide his way for presidency.

Local News - By Emmanuel Lopus – 04.08.12 - Two joined in holy Sacrament of Matrimony in Napetet church.

A colorful wedding between mr. Michael keem itao and Concepta Esekon Longole was conducted at St. Michael Napetet today. Two joined as one in sacrament of matrimony in a mass led by Bishop Dominic Kimengich assisted by vicar general Joseph Ekalimon fr. Bonvanture Emase and fr. Damen Eripon. Thee bishop of the diocese of lodwar challenged the two couples to be firm in theirChristiann faith since it gives them answers to life rising questions in the holy sacrament. Mr Michael and Concy vowed before other Christians to be faithful to each other in times of happiness and trouble. The bishop then blessed the two and all Christians at large. Christians from st Augustine cathedral,st Michael napetet,st Marys lodaraja, risen Christ nakwamekwi,st Dennis kataboi,st peters lorugum took part in ensuring that the mass was conducted well.

Local News – 1.8.2012 - By Sofari Wycliiffe - Turkana South parliamentary aspirant condemns Lorogon killing

Aspiring members of parliament for Turkana south on TNA ticket Mr. James Lomenen has condemned the killing of the policemen and residence of the Lorogon area in Turkana south early this week.

Speaking to Radio Akicha through phone from Kapelibok in Turkana south area while comforting the families of the people who were killed, Mr. Lomenen called upon the government to take immediate measures in ensuring the Turkana people at the Pokot boarder are secure and safe in terms of security.He advised the locals to be more vigilant especially during the raid season to avoid loss of lives. He urged the head of security in Turkana to deport more police officers in the area to help in maintain peace and order. Lomene admitted that the police reservist in the area, seem not to be working perfectly towards guarding people and their animals.

Lomenen will be touring various areas tomorrow, including kaakong, Nakwamoru and kaptir as it is one of the prone areas to killings.