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| Bishop Ireri of Isiolo welcomes the guest of honor Ms. Joyce Laboso, Deputy Speaker of Kenya National Assembly during the Launch of Radio Shahidi |
The Apostolic Vicariate of Isiolo now has a new radio station – Radio Shahidi 97.1 FM. The radio, whose slogan is “Shahidi wa Amani na Imani”, (Witness to Peace and Faith) aims to propagate peace in the semi-arid region that is prone to conflict over natural resources.
In an exclusive interview with the Waumini Communications Team in Isiolo on the sidelines of the launch of the radio, the Apostolic Vicar of Isiolo, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo expressed joy at the milestone that the Vicariate has reached with the establishment of the new Catholic radio.
“Radio Shahidi will be an avenue for building peace in Isiolo County and beyond,” said Bishop Ireri. “It will also serve as a tool to promote pastoral work in the Vicariate and also help in educating the people on developmental programs as one way of attaining self-sustainability.”
The bishop said over the years, Isiolo County has experienced conflicts among the pastoral communities over water and pasture for their livestock adding that cattle rustling have also been responsible for immense loss of lives and property in the region.
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| Bishop Ireri addressing the Congregation during the Eucharistic Celebrations at the launch of radio Shahidi |
“Isiolo is located in a very strategic place since it is at the centre of the country and due to that, the county can influence peace and unity in the entire nation when the habitats are peaceful and united. Isiolo is a cosmopolitan town with the major tribes being Samburu, Turkana, Meru and Borana. There are also many other tribes working in Isiolo and as such reflecting the face of Kenya.” The Bishop who is also a Consolata Missionary explained.
The Radio was officially launched on 25thOctober, 2014 by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Joyce Laboso representing Deputy President, William Ruto. The function was later followed by mass presided over by Embu Bishop, Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki assisted by Bishop Ireri and concelebrated by more than twenty priests from the Vicariate and beyond.
After the Eucharistic Celebrations there was a fundraising activity towards self-sustainability of the Vicariate which also marked the Vicariate’s Family Day. Present also at the function were religious men and women, Members of Parliament, County and National Government officials and the laity from the Apostolic Vicariate of Isiolo.
Source: Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB