Nairobi — Mau settlers on Wednesday snubbed government calls to surrender their title deeds. The settlers said they were unhappy with the two-week deadline set by the recovery team before they were assured of government's sincerity.

Local religious leaders told Daily Nation on Wednesday that they were unwilling to give up their papers unless the team negotiated terms to vacate with the settlers.

"The government must negotiate with the people they want removed," said the religious leaders. Their stance follows an announcement that offices where settlers could surrender their land documents had been opened in districts surrounding the Mau complex.

The notices, reportedly issued by the Lands ministry, asked settlers to submit the titles for verification before compensation could be paid to eligible people.

A government official said the handover would be on a voluntary basis. Molo District Commissioner Mr Julius Kavita said settlers in Mau West, Masaai Mau and neighbouring forestland were targeted for eviction.

By Wednesday, none of the settlers had handed over the vital documents. Kuresoi DC Charles Gatobu said settlers were unsure of the government's sincerity.