Some 150 households comprising 1, 500 people have been voluntarily moved to Napeitom, Lomelo Division, Turkana East District in an exercise that is aimed at helping those who want to relocate go back to their original homes. Talking to us in our office today, the Area councillor, Didimas Chegem, said that the relocation exercise kicked off on Friday through the assistance of VSF-Belgium. It was coordinated by the Provincial Administration, under the guidance of the DC Elmi Shaffi Ibrahim. Napeitom has been deserted for several years because of insecurity posed by raiders from the neighbouring districts. However, councillor Chegem says that since it is the Government's policy that people should move back to their respective areas of residence, adequate security will be provided to make the exercise successful. He further said that no body is being forced to relocate and those who still have children in school or crops in farms will still move at a later date since the exercise will continue up to the end of this year.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Local News – 26.04.10 - Families in Turkana North Displace by Floods. By OKOTH PETER.
The heavy rains that are pounding various parts of the country and the Larger Turkana have caused a lot of damage and suffering to many people. The Kitale Lodwar Highway has been a nightmare to many people. In Turkana North, on the other hand, more than 3,000 families who have been displaced by the deluge are faced with risk of contracting waterborne diseases due to unhygienic conditions among other problems related to floods. Taking to the Radio Akicha, Turkana North District Commissioner, Mr Obuo said the families were rendered homeless after rivers in Todonyang and Lokitaung areas flooded and broke their banks. He, further said the government and humanitarian organisations were on the ground and had distributed relief food and medicine to the affected families. At the same time more than 400 animals have been swept as floods continue to wrack havoc in the larger Turkana district.
LOCAL NEWS – 26.04.2010 - Security Tightened at Kenya-Ethiopia Border. By Peter Okoth.
Security has been beefed up on the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Turkana North District. This follows the killing of two people by raiders suspected be Merille from Ethiopia. Turkana North District Commissioner Jack Obuo has said that suspected Merille raiders attacked Meyan village and shot dead two women before fleeing with unknown number of animals. Meawhile, security team and elders from the two countries are scheduled hold a joint meeting to ease rising tension between the two communities following the sporadic attacks. Mr Obuo said the meeting would be held at Kangateng in Ethiopia to quell the attacks caused by scarcity of water and pasture. The incident follows the killing of a senior General Service Unit (GSU) three months ago when Kenyan security forces attempted to repulse Merille pastoralists.
Local News - 26.04.2010 - NAPEITOM MIGRATION KICKS OFF. By OKOTH PETER.
Movement of people who were displace from Napeitom by raiders from a neighbouring district have started going back. The exercise which kicked off Saturday aims at moving back about 1,500 most of who have been residing in Lokori and surrounding areas. Talking to us in Lokori recently, the Turkana East Acting District Officer I, George Anyona, said that to move back to Napeitom was mooted last year. The exercise being funded by VSF-Belgium in conjunction with Provincial Administration. The number of people who had been targeted to be moved 300.
Meanwhile a 10 year old boy was crushed to death on 24th at Kaputir. According to Turkana South District Officer I, Bethwel Sang, Esinyen Amokonyo, who schools at Kainuk Mixed Primary School had climbed onto a lorry that was ferrying a tractor from Lodwar to Kitale. He had done this without the knowledge of lorry driver. Along the way the chains that had been used to secure the tractor became loose forcing the tractor to roll upon which Esinyen was crushed to death.
LOCAL NEWS - 26.04.2010 - Kawalase River Floods Worrying. By EMMANUEL EKUWOM.
Residents of Soweto and California villages in Lodwar town have expressed their concern over river Kawalase that has of late been flooding and breaking its banks. These floods have also engulfed the grave yard that lies 50 metres from the river. Speaking to us today, one of Soweto residents, John Alemu said that the place will be completely destroyed by the floods if action is not taken to control the waters. Mr. Alemu complained that floods have completely destroyed some people's settlements. Other facilities that are likely to be destroyed by the floods, if action is not taken, are: schools, churches, a hospital and the entire business community of Soweto and California. The residents of Soweto and California have suggested that the government build gabions to help control flood at River Kawalase.
Local news - 25.4.10 – St. Augustine's Cathedral Christians receive the new Bishop-Elect. By Mary Tioko.
The faithful from St. Augustine's Church today received Fr. Dominic Kimengich with joy as the church was full to the brim. The christians were very happy to receive him as early as 8.00 am for the Sunday mass. People have been waiting for him anxiously, since the time they were told by His Lordship Bishop Patrick Harrington, that he was coming soon to celebrate mass at the Cathedral Parish. Speaking to the Christians during his homily, Fr. Dominic Kimengitich said he has come as a helper to Bishop Patrick Harrington, to help in him and to work with the people of Lodwar Diocese in spreading the word of God. He said Christ is the Good Shepherd and called Christians to pray for priest to become good shepherds like Christ. He also said that they need the power of God to do the things he wants them to do in life. Christ wants us to bear good fruits in life, he wants us to be people of faith and actions and people who fear God and accept to be led by him. If we do that he will provide for all our needs. Commenting on the constitution issue, he said that, the catholic bishops are not opposed to the whole constitution but only on the two clauses, namely that of kadhis courts and that of abortion, saying that life is sacred and holy and we should respect life for this is one of our commandments: “do not kill”. He invited Christians to make mature decisions on these issues. The mass was animated by St. Leo's Small Christian Community from the Lodwar GK Prison, and other SCC's from both 1st mass and 2nd mass, making the mass very colourful.
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