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 – 16.06.2011 - By Kodet Philip - CELEBRATION OF AN AFRICAN CHILD DAY IN LODWAR.

Hundreds of pupils and residents of Turkana county today celebrated a day of the African child at the mikeka ground.The function was organized and facilitated by the district children office in collaboration with the diocese of lodwar together with other Non Governmental Organizations flagged off its procession from the district headquarters through prison road matched around the center of the town to the Mikeka ground where the celebration kicked off with songs, poems and dramas from various schools from the county. This day was specially dedicated to children to stop violation of their rights by some brutal persons in the society. The theme of this year was all together for urgent action in favor of street children. The issues addressed were right to life,right to education, right to access health facilities and many other human rights that a child deserves. Among the guest invited was the Turkana Central District Commissioner Mr. Humphrey Nakitare who highlighted the elements and basic fundamental rights of a child and strongly emphasized and give a stern warning to anyone who will be found enslaving a child will be dealt by the law accordingly.

Local News - 21.04.2011- By Zacheaus Otaba - Hundreds turn out for world malaria day celebrations at mikeka grounds Lodwar.

People of Turkana have celebrated world malaria day, with hopes of survival despite challenges on its control. The acting medical officer of health for Turkana central, Dr. Epem Esekon, said that many cases of malaria are being reported than any other diseases. He reported that malaria contributes 40% of the diseases encountered. Speaking during the celebrations on behalf the district medical officer of health, Dr. Epem said that the government has been facing some challenges in the region, on the fight against malaria. He noted some of the challenges as lack of access to cheap medicine and failure to get early treatment. However he said, there are mechanisms laid in place to fight against the disease. At the same time, the district surveillance coordinator Mr. Absolom Kuya has called for the government, to increase the supply of mosquito nets in the area, saying that the rate of malaria in the region is alarming. However they congratulated the contribution of the Non-Governmental Organizations. Among the visitors present were Dr. Godson Eze, Dr. kabir and Ngozi Eronou both from world health organization and Dr. Sabir from merlin. During the celebrations residents were issued with mosquito nets that were donated by world vision.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.1.11 - By Mary Tioko - Form one selection for the year 2011 for St. James Juniorate Minor seminary in Lodwar completed

The pupils who completed their Std. Eight examinations and passed had a lot of hopes to join various high schools in the country. The students from Turkana county also were not left behind in various chances available in high schools. Pupils who got 300 marks and above in 2010 and were interested in becoming future priests applied for the vacancy at St. James Juniorate minor seminary here in Lodwar. The interviews that took place on 10th of January 2011 saw the selection of 12 boys joining the seminary.
The selection panel involved Frs. John Kizito Manzi, Fr. Cosmas Longor and the Director of the seminary Fr. Simon Mutai. The interviewees were drawn from ten parishes within the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar with them including, All saints Kainuk parish, Katilu, Lokori, Nakwamoru , Risen Christ Nakwamekwei, Holy family Kanamkemer , Good shephered Kakuma, St. Augustine's cathedral parish , St. Marys Kalokol, and St. Marks Lokitaung'parish.
The criteria of selection were as follows; Minimum grades 300 marks KCPE 2010, Baptized Catholics practising the faith , therefore the parish priest had to recommend them for the interview, the age limit not more than 15 years of age, Good performance in languages especially English, the self presentation during interview in order to show the interest of priestly call was necessary during the intreviews.
The panel rested on 12 students from all the represented parishes out of 19 applicants. The director of the seminary Fr. Simon Mutai said that the lake deanary was poorly represented and south deanery on the other hand was well represented.

LOCAL NEWS – 10.01.2011 - By Emmanuel Lopus - shortage of super fuel stalls boda boda services in lodwar town today.

Boda boda transportation in town has been hindered due to shortage of super fuel in Lodwar fueling stations. Making stops at various fueling stations like Africans filling station, Nikon Nikon, Lota lado, and Kobil have shortage of fuel prompting the motorists to line up waiting to fill their motorbikes.
These delays have hampered the bodaboda transport as some clients/customers need quick services and meet deadlines. Commenting on the same issue, Mr. Jose Stone one of owners of the African a filling station said that the problem with Super shortage is Due to the delay of Oil transportation from Eldoret pipeline to Lodwar which is hindered by bad conditions of our roads.
Mr. Joseph also said that the policies guiding the transportation of fuel from Eldoret do not favour the conditions of our bad roads as the vehicles plying these roads have to reach the pipeline area before by 5pm to collect oil or in case of lateness collect the following day. But hope is there tomorrow as the fuel will stabilize since most filling stations are expected to receive their fuel at night.

LOCAL NEWS - 11.07.10 - Confirmations at St.Gabriel Kangatosa parish - By Mary Tioko.

The Christian community of St.Gabriel Kangatosa Parish today received the sacrament of confirmation in a colorful celebration animated by His lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich and Fr.Damien Eripon. The 284 Christians drawn from all the five outstations of Kangatosa Parish received the sacrament of confirmation. These include the Natiir outstation (65), Naoros (60), Kangatosa(74), Akatuman(22), Katagilae(43) and Kangagetei (20). Each station accompanied by the chairperson , Mr. Mike Ekiru, Mrs. Esther Ekiru, Mr.Dominic Losike, Mr.William Nakeor, Mr. James payan, Mrs. Christine Are respectively. The parish council chairman Mr. Johnson Ekwaar reported that the Parish was officially opened by His Lordship Bishop Patrick Harrington on 23rd September 2007 as a project of St.Gabriel which is a small Christian community of St.Augustine's Cathedral Parish Lodwar. In his homily His Lordship Bishop Dominic Kimengich commented in the readings of the day saying that they touched on the life of human beings. He said that God has given us an opportunity to choose life and not death. He encouraged the faithfuls to love one another and help them as Christians. He also echoed the stand of the catholic church on the new proposed constitution saying it is faulty as it permits abortion which is killing and is against the 5th commandments of thou shall not kill and thus advised the Christians to reject it and vote NO come August 4th. His lordship explaining why the church says NO saying that life is sacred and precious as it is a gift from God and no one has a right to take it away until natural death. He encouraged all those confirmed to keep their faith and guard it well from the evil one. He also commented on the development of the area encouraging the community members to be inquisitive on how the CDF funds are used. The community experience poor service delivery from the local authority. The Kangatosa community complained of lack of water, poor markets for their basketry and lack of Transport as the people depend on the Parish Vehicle as the only source of transport in the area. The parish priest Fr. Philip Lotiman thanked the bishop, and Fr.Damien Eripon for visiting his parish and increasing the Christian community through confirmations.

LOCAL NEWS – 10.7.10 - BY MARY TIOKO - JOURNALISM CLUB VISIT AKICHA FM RADIO STATION

The students from Salvation Army Nawoitorong secondary school belonging to the Journalism Club today visited Akicha Radio for the educative talks from Presenters and the management. The students were 15 in number and had an objective of getting exposure on Media in general. They raised various questions concerning Mass communication and the areas of presentation. The presenters on duty by the time Peter Esinyen and Teresa Kachila explained on audio production and mass communication.The students were on the learning experience so as to choose wisely their careers. The presenters also taught them on various sections in communication, saying that Some of them can venture into different field as in reporting, news anchoring, News Editing, Marketing, Programming and presenting. The students expressed gratitude to the management of Radio Akicha for giving them an opportunity for learninng more about the communication through Radio . They expressed the interest in communication . The team was accompanied by their chief executive officer of the Club (CEO) Mr. Ekwafi muya Charles

LOCAL NEWS – 27.6.10 - JESUS CHRIST CALLS US TO FREEDOM TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THING - BY MARY TIOKO

Christian faithfuls of St.Augustine's Cathedral Lodwar today received homily from Fr.Francis Teo who elaborated on the days readings and gave example of the authority and power of Elija who called Elisha and gave him all his authority and immediately replaced him but Jesus calls us to freedom and He still has the authority as he is the one that was , is now and shall be. Christ calls us not to replace him but to be his followers. When christ freed us he wanted us to be free from all bad things and always choose to do the right things in our lives. All of us desire freedom in our lives. Youth also need freedom and in this, parents always restrict them because sometimes they end up choosing wrong things. Sometimes in our relationship we want freedom .Even priests want freedom from their Bishops but they are loyal to them. Now, the question we are supposed to ask ourselves is freedom from what and why we want it for? He said that In the standards of the world freedom means a lot . Fr. Francis Teo gave the christians an example of the new proposed constitution where people want to be left free to decide on what they want to do with their bodies to an extend of wanting to legalise abortion forgeting that their bodies are temples of the Lord. He continued to inform the congregation on the stand of the Church on Abortion saying it is “NO” and encouraged the faithfuls to stand and defend life by Voting against it come August 4th. He said that most people perform abortion for the fear of responsibility , shame and guilt. The standards of the world entails all this and that is why they use short cuts to terminate life of new born babies through abortion. He emphasized that the freedom we need should not create division, wars, hatred, Guilt, e.t.c. But should help us to do good. He finished by saying that God calls us to freedom to do good things always. Let us reflect on this call of Jesus to do good to avoid sin and evil in our day to day lives. AMEN.

LOCAL NEWS – 5.7.2010 - THE DIOCESAN STAFF RECEIVE BLESSINGS FROM THE AUXILARY BISHOP - BY MARY TIOKO

The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar staff today held a prayer day at St. Thomas Chapel. The Prayer day which was organized by Fr. Cosmas Longor and animated by Himself and the Auxilary Bishop Dominic Kimengich is scheduled to be taking place every monday of every week is to kick start the week for the staff as they are doing the work of Christ on Behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese. The staff who came from all the Departments participated in the lively mass which was the first one to take place for the Diocesan staffs and the subsequent days to follow. Speaking during his Homily The Auxilary Bishop Dominic Kimengich said that the work done by the staff needed the guidance of God and thus the staff have to implement the mission of the church and not their own missions. The Bishop also advised all those in authority to use their abilities for the Glory of God and do as God expects of them with honesty, integrity, faithfulness just as the father in heaven is faithful in his promises to us. Commenting on the Constitution, the Rt Rev. Dominic Kimengich cautioned the personnel to take into account the stand of the church of defending life. He told them to continue creating awareness to all the people so as they choose life as they are the voice of the voiceless in the community. He called them to show christ in all their work as they minister to the people of God through the various activities undertaken in various departments and God will bless them.

LOCAL NEWS - 1ST JUNE 2010 - MADARAKA DAY MARKED IN STYLE IN LODWAR. By Edaan Daniel.

The District Commissioner Turkana Central has strongly highlighted the importance of doing a survey of property in town, street children menace, youth employment, Lowasco issue, disarmament, tender committee and the hospital issues as the pertinent issues to be tackled in the DSG meeting on Wednesday. Humphrey Nakitare was speaking in the 47^th Madaraka Day marked today at Moi Gardens grounds. The area MP Honorable David Ekwee Ethuro has called the locals to surrender the illegal arms to the government but cautioned the state to deploy enough security personnel to the porous borders before doing the disarmament. He challenged all the leaders to play their roles well and bring about quick development in their respective areas of jurisdictions.

The District Commissioner asked the citizens to read the proposed constitution and make their own informed choices as the referendum approaches. He was accompanied by many other dignitaries and government officials in this colorful celebrations. The celebration brought together people from several parts of the district, together with them were chiefs and councilors from different wards. The Chairman of Commerce, in Turkana Central District, Mr. Peter Ejore was also present.

Local news – 31.5.10 - Music festivals held at resource centre Lodwar. By Mary Tioko.

Today was the greatest day for all pupils within schools in Turkana Central District where pupils and their teachers were prepared to face the tough competition and they all fought for one position in resource centre. The music divisional secretary Mr. Moses Ekidor, said that the main objective of the music festival is to promote unity among schools and even to the society at large. He also said that other objectives were to promote cultural practices of Turkana community and the pupils in schools to be aware of traditional practices through composition of songs. The secretary said, that the exposure was also another thing as the pupils find an opportunity to interact among various schools from outside and get to learn new things which will help them to expand their thinking capacity.

He added that Turkana District has been leading in music festivals as they always proceed to national levels. He also said, that the best performers are always rewarded to encourage them and give them heart to do more in future.

Local News – 16.05.2010 - FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHRIST: CHRISTIANS ADVISED. By OKOTH PETER

Christians have been advised to follow the footsteps of Christ in whatever they do to nurture their Christian life. In his Homily, during the holy mass that was celebrated at St. Augustine's Cathedral, Lodwar Parish, Fr. Simon Mutai, said that Christ humbled himself when he came to live among mankind and agreed to die on the cross so that the Will of God be done.

He said that in order to follow the footsteps of Christ there was need to act like Christ did, our words be the words of a good Christian and thoughts be those based on Christ's way of life.

He further said that there was need to focus one's life on the Holiness of Jesus Christ and be ready to participate in the things that help to make one's faith grow. Christ's Ascension to heaven was marked today.

Meanwhile, St. Augustine's Cathedral, Lodwar Parish Administrator, Fr. Francis Teo had expressed his gratitude and that of the church officials to all Christians who have positively responded to their appeal to contribute towards the completion of the stalled latrine project. The Church officials said that there still other things that were still needed and appealed for more donations so that the project could be completed before the ordination day.

LOCAL NEWS – 13.05.2010 - FLOODS CAUSE HAVOC. By OKOTH PETER.

Everything seemed to come to a stand still as floods caused by heavy downpour caused havoc in various parts of the larger Turkana.

As usual Lodwar-Kitale highway was rendered impassable with Marich, Kakong and Kalemungorok being hot spots in Lodwar Town, River Kawalase burst its banks with floods displacin

g people who live along the river. Property was also washed away. Most of the vehicles plying between Lodwar-Kalokol and Lodwar-Kakuma-Lokichoggio could not move across the river and most of them have been stranded in Lodwar for days incurring losses. Business people who were transporting perishable goods to Kakuma and Lokichoggio are also counting their losses.

Last evening five people who attempted to cross the river were swept away by the raging waters. Apart from one who was rescued others who included a child drowned.

Confirming the incident today Central Divisional Police Division, deputy OCPD, John Omondi, said that the victims who are believed to be Sudanese, were traveling from Kakuma in Eldoret Express bus. They had been warned against attempting to cross the flooded river but ignored the warning. Up to the time of going on air none of the four bodies had been found.

Local News - 11th may 2010 - Regional Commissioner Promises to Help the Challenged. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

The Regional Commissioner of Turkana Region, Mr. Christopher Musumba, today told the less blessed, disadvantaged and challenged in the community that the government will provide them with all possible assistance including consideration for employment whenever vacancies occur. The RC said this, while addressing 50 people with various disabilities who were attending a training on Disability Act at Splash Guest House, Lodwar.

He further said those who require wheelchairs would be assisted and others given opportunity to try their luck in business.

He was accompanied by a team from Kenya National Council of the Disabled People from Nairobi, United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and Lodwar Mayor.

Addressing the people, the chairman of the Kenya National Council of the Disabled (KNCD), Peter Mwaura, said the government has allocated some fund to help and facilitate the activities of the disabled in the country adding that as soon as the council approves the budget, Turkana community will be considered.

Local News – 09.05.2010 - Parishioners Asked to help complete Project. By OKOTH PETER.

St. Augustine's Cathedral parishioners have been asked to help complete the stalled latrine project that was started sometime back. Talking to Christians at the cathedral after mass today, the Parish Administrator, Fr. Francis Teo said that there was need to complete the latrines before 22^nd May 2010 as there will many visitors who will be attending the Episcopal Ordination of Fr. Dominic KImengich and the existing two latrines will not be adequate.

He asked the parishioners to contribute through their Small Christian Communities so as to have the project completed in time. He also asked the Parish Justice and Peace members to take their work seriously as efforts to make them meet so that they distribute what had been donated by Christians during latent campaign to the needy have been fruitless.

Also, the administrator thanked mothers for the role they were playing in bringing up children in the Christian way. He did this following the the World Mothers Day that was celebrated yesterday. He said children will always be what they live and therefore there was need to mould them into useful people by avoiding violence, hostility, condemnation, among other vices and instead show them love, tolerance, courage, sense of security among other good virtues in order to good Christian life.

Local News - 06.05.2010 - BODY FOUND IN RIVER KAWALATHE. By OKOTH PETER.

A body of unidentified girl has been found floating in River Kawalathe in Lodwar. Speaking to us over the phone today, the Officer Commanding Police Division, Turkana Central, Lawrence Njoroge, confirmed that the body had been removed to Lodwar District Hospital mortuary pending identification. The cause of the death could not be immediately established but it is suspected that the girl might have drowned while trying to either cross it or fetch water.

Last Wednesday a four-year-old girl, Mary Waithera, is feared to have drowned in River Turkwel when she was being assisted to cross it by a good samaritan. Since then her body has not been found as efforts to locate it have been fruitless. Talking to us a few days ago, the girl's grandmother, Mary Waithera, had appealed to police and well-wishers to assist the family find the body.

Local News - 6th May 2010 - Blames on Road Construction at Lodwar Town. By Emmanuel Ekuwom.

Lodwar Boda-Boda Association have blamed the government on yesterdays accidents that occurred at national Cereals and produce Board( NCPB ) road involving motorbikes, where one of them by the name Lochii Lopia was seriously injured. One of them was seriously injured but has been discharged this morning from Lodwar District Hospital. Speaking to us, Boda Boda Technical Adviser John Alemu said, the recent accidents is caused by poor road states adding that the state of the road leveling puts the motorists and other road users and pedestrians at great risk. The recent report from the hospital says that Mr. Lopia has been discharged today. He related the two accidents that occurred on Sunday and Monday at mama Atabo and Islamic road respectively, leaving many disappointed with fingers pointed to the government. Councillor Yusuf Ali Muhammed appealed to the public to be careful, not to drive when drunk, and not to over speed. He urged the owners of the motorbikes to ensure their drivers have driving license, and they are insured.

Local News - 5th May 2010 - Training on Sphere Project. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Seventeen representatives from every department of the diocese of Lodwar have attended a three day training on “Sphere Project” that kicked-off today at St. Teresa Pastoral Centre Lodwar. The project is aimed at addressing issues on different aspects of Disaster Response, that is water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion, food security, nutrition and food aid, shelter, settlement and non-food items and health services. Speaking to a Radio Akicha reporter, Trocaire Regional Humanitarian Project Officer, Mr. Francis Omude Emoru said that he appreciates the Diocese of Lodwar for allowing their departments to attend this Participatory Risk Assessment/Appraisal (PRA) and Sphere Standards training which will improve quality and accountability in their programs. He added that it is their prayer as TROCAIRE, that all participants share this knowledge and practice for better service to the Turkana community. The training was facilitated by Francis Omude Emoru and Elizabeth Itumbi Muendo representatives from TROCAIRE Nairobi. The Project Officer from the Development Department, Diocese of Lodwar, Minyan Ngasike John, said participatory risk assessment and mapping was done yesterday and it covered camps of the internally displaced persons in Nakwamekwi and Naurenpuu. He added that they are yet to hod a workshop with the two communities on 24^th and 25^th this month whereby they will display the results of the exercise they carried. The PRA/Mapping and Sphere Project is funded by ''Horn and East Africa Regional Office (TROCAIRE)'' one of the major partners of the Diocese of Lodwar and the training is expected to end on friday afternoon.

Local News – 02.05.2010 - PROMOMOTE PEACE IN YOUR MIDST: BISHOP ADVISES. By OKOTH PETER

Christians have been advised to uphold the command of loving each other as a way of promoting peace and strengthening their faith.

In his Homily during the mass held at St. Augustine's Cathedral, Lodwar Parish, today, His Holiness Bishop Patrick Harrington, said that there was need to cultivate sense of tolerance among christians.

He called for strengthening of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) as a away of, not only strengthening christian faith, but also promoting unity which is paramount in nurturing faith.

“Always read scriptures and pray together so as to make your faith and unity strong,” he advised.

He further called upon Small Christian Communities to always invite priests to their prayer meetings so as to help them (Priests) invigorate their vocation and christian lives.

“Invite them once in a while to your communities to keep them busy,” he said.

The Bishop further said that ever since the SCCs were started in the country in 1974, faith has been strengthened at the grass root.

Local News - 30.04.10 - Training for Youths Ends. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Business Group Training for the youth and vulnerable groups that kicked off three days ago at Resource Centre, Lodwar, came to an end today. In his speech during the closing ceremony, the Drought Management Officer (DMO) who was also the guest of honour, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko, asked the groups that had been trained to submit their business plans for possible funding. According to Arid Lands Mobile Extension leader, Brendah Mana, Arid Lands Resource Management Project (ALRMP) gives the youth small grands to boost their business adding that they allocates 2 million each year to distributed to various groups. So far 15 groups have benefitted from the grands. The training which was aimed at imparting business skills and promoting self reliance in Turkana community was facilitated by ALRMP under the Urban Youth Development fund.