Local News - 18.04.2010 - Pupils Baptised. By Emmanuel Ekuwom.

Pupils aged between 7-15 years drawn from various schools within Lodwar received sacrament of baptism and first Holy Communion at St. Augustine's Cathedral, Lodwar Parish today. Of the 32 who were prepared by Sr. Adelaide and Simon Lorot, 23 were baptised by Fr. Francis Teo who was assisted by Catechist Richard Epae and 9 received their first Holy Communion. Fr. Teo asked christians to welcome the newly baptised pupils into christian family by involving them in the activities of the church as away of nurturing their faith. He lauded the current process of baptism in the parish saying that it has been more successful since both parents pupils have been involved. Fr. Teo advised Christians to take their time to read the Draft Constitution so as to make an informed decision.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.04.2010 - RELOCATION CLAIM REFUTED. By OKOTH PETER & MARY TIOKO.

Claims that Loima residents were fleeing their homes to the neighbouring country in order to evade the on-going disarmament exercise has been refuted by the area District Commissioner, Moses Ivuto. It had been claimed that the Disarmament Exercise that kicked off in the Larger Turkana recently triggered off migration of Turkana holding illegal firearms to the neighbouring country of Uganda since they were unwilling to voluntarily surrender them to authority. It had also been claimed that in some parts of Loima its only women, the elderly and children have been left behind. But talking to us today, Mr. Ovuto, refuted the claims of relocation saying that all the residents of Loima District were cooperating with the Authority. He said the exercise was being carried out jointly between the two Governments and contrary to claims by some people nobody was being harassed as the surrender is purely voluntary. He further said that so far a total of 60 firearms have been surrendered voluntarily and more were still being expected. He added that the targeted areas in Loima District are Kotaruk, Lorengippi, Lokiriama and Urumu. He further promised that the government will beef up security in these ares after the disarmament exercise.

LOCAL NEWS – 17.04.2010 - BODA BODA ADVISED. By Peter Lokatur.

Lodwar-based boda-boda Youth Welfare Association chief adviser, Mr. Paul Eyanae today urged all the boda-boda operators to be keen when riding especially at such a time when the entire region is experiencing heavy rains. Speaking to Radio Akicha reporter in his office, Eyanae said since the rains commenced the roads have been muddy, slippery and many potholes have developed as a result of the floods makes it tricky to ride safely. He called upon the motorists to be very careful when driving around the town so as to reduce the number of accidents in the region.

He added that the government through the municipal council of Lodwar has to do something concerning the worsening condition of the roads linking the larger Turkana region to other parts of the country so as to easen the activities of the business fraternity. He further asked the boda-boda motorists to turn up in good numbers for the acquisition of insurance covers for their motorbikes in the Lodwar main office since the process has been eased. Initially the process has been very much slow and procedures since it involved travelling outside the region but now it has been brought close to the clients.

Eyanae urged Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the region to always remember to boost the activities of the boda-boda youth by offering them financial support.

The heavy rains that have been pounding the country have destroyed infrastructure in many parts of the nation. In Turkana, where most of the consumer goods plus other important items are brought in from various parts of the country, things have been difficult with the damage of Kitale-Lodwar Highway due the deluge. The most affected parts are Marich, Kalemungorok and Kakong. Travelers and business fraternity have called upon the authority to repair the damaged parts to spare them from agony and losses.

LOCAL NEWS – 16.04.2010 - RAINS CONTINUES CAUSING HAVOC. By OKOTH PETER.

The Lodwar-Kitale Highway was rendered impassable in various parts following the on-going rains in various parts of the country.

In Marich, where the road has been damaged for many days, several vehicles could be seen stranded.

Another spot which badly needs urgent repair is Kakong where short diversion has not helped at all.

The longer the damaged highway remains the more losses business fraternity continue suffering. Those who sell perishable goods in Lodwar, Kakuma and Lokichoggio are the ones who have suffered great losses when they go bad before arrival.

Transit Goods transporters have also complained of staying longer than they are supposed to because of the damage.

LOCAL NEWS - 16.04.2010 - DISPLAY OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS. By Emmanuel. A. Ekuwom.

The ministry of state for provincial administration and internal security has today displayed 31 illegal firearms AK 47, G3 MAAK 4 and FN3, that were surrendered volluntarily by Turkana Community. Addressing a press conference in his office today, Turkana Regional Commissioner, Christopher Musumbi, said 13 firearms were received from Loima district and 18 from Turkana West. He said that the disarmament exercise has kicked off and it is targeting the whole region of Turkana. He added that, todays function was affollow-up activity that was addressed in Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) that was launched early this week in the region. The regional commissioner emphasised the need of carrying out a joint desarmament with the neighbouring country of Uganda with the aid of joint desarmament committee whose role is to cordinate with police across the boarder to avoid exchange of illegal firearms. He said so far, they have received 159 firearms and they still receive others on daily basis. He thanked the members of public for surrendering their arms and asked those who have not returned to surrender them to their chief or nearby police station or otherwise the government will take an action against them. He assured the people that enough security will be provided and the operation will continoue peacefully. Mr Musumbu was acompanied by some of the government official.

Local News - 16.04.2010 - COLLECT YOUR ID's: PEOPLE ASKED. By Emmanuel A. Ekuwom.

Turkana Central Registration Officer, Tom Mbotela Warwa, has asked those who have applied for national identity card to visit their stations with their waiting cards to check if their national identity card have come before they miss out on the registration of voters which kicked off late march this year. Addressing journalists in his office today, district registrar officer Mr. Warwa said that, since the beginning of the registration of voters, his office has been receiving a good number of ids from their head office in time. Mr. Mbotela asked chiefs and councillors to advise the community to visit his office with the waiting cards to collect their ids. Mr. Mbotela disclosed that soon mobile registration station will be introduced in the region to enable them to reach marginalised areas.