Sifuna, who is also ODM secretary general, has been categorical that he won't back Ruto's government despite there being a memorandum of understanding that stipulates a partnership between the orange and the ruling UDA party.
His stance has been irking a faction within the Raila-led party, which is leaning toward Ruto's government.
Speaking in Homa Bay County on Friday, May 9, at the send-off of slain Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were, Raila acknowledged Sifuna's pronouncements as the official position of the party.
He said that the secretary general is the official spokesperson of the party and that when he speaks, he does so on its behalf.
However, Raila counselled Sifuna to be lenient and reduce the harshness with which he criticises the government.
"As members of ODM, we must remain steadfast, and we must work to unify ODM as a strong political party. Yes, in a political party, there are always differences of opinion on some issues, but the political party itself must have a firm stand on a particular issue, and that's why people can talk and talk this way and that way. Ultimately, there's an official position that will be articulated by the party, and the spokesman of the party is usually the secretary-general, Sifuna. When Sifuna speaks, he's speaking on behalf of the party. So, we have a firm stand, we have an arrangement with Kenya Kwanza, and we put it in black and white, and there is a 10-point agenda which is in the memorandum that we signed. Though Sifuna should not be too tough," Raila said.
The former prime minister restated that the ODM party was not officially in government, adding that it was only partnering with it in resolving 10 pressing issues that affect Kenyans.
Raila's sentiments came after those of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Johni, who also called on Sifuna to tone down his criticism of former ODM officials who were recently appointed to government.
Mbadi, who also spoke at the send-off of Were, expressed that he was still a member of ODM despite being appointed to government.
Therefore, he explained that it would be beneficial for ODM if the party members supported them in their work.
