Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga has advised Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to tone down his attacks against the broad-based government.
Raila acknowledged that Sifuna had a right to speak on behalf of the party owing to his role as the Secretary-General, but advised that he should be subtle in his speeches.
''The spokesman of the party is usually the secretary general, so when Mr Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the party. But Mr Sifuna, sometimes tone down a bit,'' Raila told Sifuna.
The party leader was speaking during the burial ceremony of the slain Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo in Oyugis, where he acknowledged that as a party, members of ODM are entitled to different opinions, but the opinions should not divide them.
''As members of ODM, we must remain steadfast and edify ODM as a strong political party. Yes, in a political party, there are always differences in opinions on some issues, but the party must have a firm stand on the issues, people must talk, but ultimately there is an official position that will be articulated by the party,'' Raila continued.
Sifuna has been strongly critical of Raila and Ruto’s broad-based government, arguing that it is not a legitimate structure and that all government positions remain under the control of Kenya Kwanza.
The SG dismissed the idea that ODM as a party is part of the government, insisting that only individuals from ODM who joined the government did so in their personal capacity, not as representatives of the party.
Speaking during the same event, Treasury CS John Mbadi requested Sifuna to stop attacking him, reminding him that they were both members of the same party, and if he didn't succeed, ODM wouldn't succeed.
''While I am in government, trying to push the party's agenda, I expect total support from the party, including from you, Sifuna. My brother Sifuna, please, I am a member of your party, if I fail, there is no way in 2027 you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government,'' Mbadi said.
Raila praised ODM members currently serving as Cabinet Secretaries in the Kenya Kwanza government, expressing pride in their contributions across various ministries.
He assured them that the party fully acknowledges their efforts and stands in support of their service.
On MP Charles Were's murder, Raila has called for a speedy investigation and arrest of the masterminds of the plot that led to his shooting.
