Nairobi — One of the main donors expected to fund the restoration of the Mau Forests Complex has vetoed the use of its money to compensate settlers.

Head of the European Delegation in Kenya Eric van der Linden said the Nairobi mission has already set aside Sh257 million, which would be made available once approved by the headquarters.

More is expected once the Kenyan situation is discussed formally.

Mr Linden said the European Union would propose a method for the use of the money but said compensation was an 'internal political matter' that the European bloc would not be interested in funding if it happens. "We applaud and laud the government's efforts to remove the illegal squatters from the forest. People should move out of the Mau but not in an inhuman manner," the envoy said.

On compensation, the envoy said: "We are not in that business because we don't think it would be the best thing to do. It is an internal political matter but I definitely don't want to see EU money being used to compensate."

Title deeds

The envoy's statement comes a day after retired President Daniel arap Moi indicated the defiance the government is likely to encounter in the next phase of evictions, which will target those who have title deeds.

The retired president is among prominent people said to have used their power and influence to acquire large tracts of land in the forest.

Mr Linden said poor squatters should be resettled or compensated but not the owners of huge tracts who are likely to have used their influence to get it. The Mau forest is the source of about 12 rivers, which flow into lakes Natron (Tanzania), Nakuru, Baringo and Victoria in Kenya.

Also on Thursday, Forestry minister Noah Wekesa said Mr Moi will not be spared eviction from the Mau Forest Complex if it is established that a tea estate and factory associated with him are within the forest.

The process to re-establish the forest boundaries will end in three weeks, paving the way for the next phase of evictions.

Dr Wekesa said this phase will begin in January and will target those who have government documents to prove ownership.