Local News - 16.03.2014 - By Ken Simiyu - Do not harden your hearts when God calls you, Prisoners in Lodwar told.

Inmates at the GK prison in Lodwar were  urged to take time to reflect on their lives and make a choice to respond to God’s call to begin a new chapter by living positively.

In his homily Lodwar Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich told the prisoners that it is the nature of human beings to err but added that God wants them to come back to their senses and mend their ways in order to live in accordance with God’s commandments. His Lordship told the prisoners during Mass on the second Sunday of Lent that God is forgiving and calls on all who have gone astray to follow Him and leave behind whatever wrongs may have occurred in their lives. Making reference to the reading taken from the Gospel of St. Mathew, Bishop Kimengich said everyone should follow the example of our Lord Jesus who was on the mountain and heard a voice calling Him stating He is the Son of God and he obeyed. Rt. Rev. Kimengich said that even in prison God is present and added that though people make mistakes they make things harder instead of realizing God’s presence in their lives and make a quick change. At the same time one of the inmates urged the Bishop to build a chapel in the prison quarters for them to use for worship on Sundays. His Lordship told the prisoners to keep praying as the diocese looks into the possibility of putting up a prayer house in the prison.

Local News - By Ken Simiyu - 16.03.2014 - The Kakong road blocked for more than 4hrs following the death of a one man

Today one person was killed when police officers tried to open the Kakong Road off Kitale to Lodwar highway .Confirming the Incident OCPD of Turkana south Mr Edward Changach said that following yesterday’s raid that took place at Kakong, the residents blocked the road accusing police officers of not recovering the stolen animals by the suspected Pokot raiders.

Mr. Changach said that when the Police Officers reached where the road was blocked then the armed Ngoroko started firing at the police and in the process of exchanging the fire one person was shot and died instantly. The area MP Hon. James Lomenen said that they were holding the discussion with the chiefs of all areas to find out the solution of opening the road when they heard gunshots rushing there they found a man lying on the ground only confirming him dead. He accused the police officers of using excessive power on the innocent people, he added that the matter was solved and the road was opened to allow vehicles pass. Turkana South is one of the Sub-Counties that face challenges of raids every now and then and during the raids many people lose their lives the question remain to the Government how will  the residents be protected . The incident hindered transportation where by Passengers were forced to camp for more than 4hours.

LOCAL NEWS - BY KEN SIMIYU - 15.03.2014 – Raid at Kakong in Turkana South

One man was shoot dead in the Raid at Kakong in Turkana South by the suspected bandits from Pokot County. Speaking through the phone the OCPD of Turkana South Mr. Edward Changach said that the Bandits ambushed Kakong Village at 12.00 on that day and made away with unknown number of Animal. During the Incident one Man aged 57yrs was shoot and killed on the spot, at the same time 50 years old Woman was shoot and Injured on her left hand together with 23years old boy including the Kenya Police Reservist was also Injured in the shootout and were taken to Lokichar Health Center. At the same time the Raiders blocked the Road spraying bullets to the Wells Fargo Vehicle and also robbed one Lorry but no one was injured. Mr. Changach however added that the Animals were driven towards Loya direction and the Police Officers with the forces of GSU no animals have been recovered and the police are pursuing.

LOCAL SPORTS NEWS - BY KEN SIMIYU - 14.03.2014. - TURKANA COUNTY TO HOST REGIONAL INTER PRIMARY GAMES ON 10TH AND 11TH OF APRIL.

Turkana Central Primary Interschool’s games Kicked off on 13^TH and ended on 14^th at Kawalase and Lodwar Primary school playing grounds. In the finals the girls played at Kawalase Primary whereby Nabulon Girls Defeated Komboni Primary school 3 goals to nil. In the boys football final Loyo Primary thrashed Lodwar Primary 2 goals to 1 in the penalty shootout after the ended in the goalless nil draw. Speaking after the game the organizing secretary Mr. Francis Ecboms said that the games were played through the able hands of the Head Teachers who funded the games. Mr. Ecboms also said that next week will be District level and then counties and  regionals shall be played  on 10^th  and 11^th  OF April, he urged the In charge of Education to support them in the next level. Elsewhere at prison ground M. K. U Defeated K. M. T. C  Lodwar 3 - 2 the goals of Mount Kenya University was scored by Charles Etoot in the first half and Daniel Ekuom scored 2 goals, the  goals for K M T C was  scored by Rony Ochieng  and Alex  Ochieng respectively.

Local news - 12.3.14 - By Mary Tioko - Meteorological Department issues early warning systems for the expected long rains within Turkana County

The Officer in charge of Lodwar Meteorological department Mr. Joshua Manuari reported that long rains are expected in the 1^st  and 2^nd week of April and that the rains will be normal and above normal which will cause flooding. Mr. Manuari asked residents to be prepared for the coming rains in all aspects by preparing their farms and Pastoralists to guard their animals so as not to be washed away by floods. He also cautioned residents living near riverside areas to be cautious and be ready to move to safer grounds to avoid disasters. Addressing the participants during Media houses and humanitarian actor’s workshop on lifeline communication at CEAMO Hotel Lodwar today, the National Drought Management Authority coordinator Mr. Julius Taigong said that the County Government has intervened in the drought situation by distributing relief food to the affected population joining the efforts of the other humanitarian organizations responding on the same.  He also added that the training for the team is aimed at improving the relationship between the media sector and the humanitarian actors for better coordination of early warning systems during the dissemination so as to improve the response for all affected population. The workshop which was organized by the County Government of Turkana, BBC Media Action Group and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) brought together 40 participants drawn from various media houses within the county and representatives of the Humanitarian organizations operating in the county.