Mr Odinga’s statement signalled a split in government over the procedure to be used to move the families out of the forest, coming only a day after his cabinet colleague Dr Noah Wekesa had given those living in the forest only nine days to relocate or face unspecified action.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PM directed people living in the water tower to ignore the ultimatum issued by the Kenya Forest Service and supported by Dr Wekesa and wait for directives from a committee to be launched to work on modalities of reclaiming the forest.

“The Prime Minister in the meantime asks the public, including settlers in the forest complex, to wait for the launch of the committee from which guidelines will come on the government’s action plan for the water tower,” read the statement from the PM’s office.

Mr Odinga stated that it is the inter-ministerial committee that will spell out “the programme and activities geared towards the restoration of the Mau in all its aspects.”

The statement was a clear departure from the press notice put out by the KFS, directing those who have settled in the Mau complex and other water towers to move out within fourteen days.

Supporting the ultimatum, Dr Wekesa had termed the notice as “procedural” and representing the government’s stand on the matter, suggesting that the PM’s office which has been handling the issue was aware of the notice.

The ultimatum infuriated a section of MPs from the Rift Valley province including a cabinet minister and one assistant minister who insisted that those living in the forest must be compensated before being moved out of the forest.

Roads minister Franklin Bett, Energy assistant minister Charles Keter and MPs Zakayo Cheruiyot, Julius Kones and Isaac Ruto condemned the notice warning that it could trigger bloodshed in the affected region if handled carelessly.

In his statement , the PM who has in the recent past clashed with the MPs from the region over the issue, appeared to allay their fears by stating that the government will not use force to kick out people from the Mau complex that comprises 22 forest blocks covering approximately 400,000 hectares.

“Once again, the Prime Minister emphasises that while the restoration of the Mau has to be done, relocation of settlers will be peaceful, orderly and humane. No force will be used,” the statement read.

“In the past, residents lost their crops, animals, homes and other property in forceful evictions. That will not be the case again,” the PM assured.

He also stated that the government would compensate holders of title deeds for small parcels of land in the forest.