Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju on Tuesday struggled to respond to questions whether he can take orders from ODM leader Raila Odinga.
For months, Jubilee leaders have struggled to understand the nature of working relationship between Mr Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta following their handshake.
Last week, Raila ordered Kenya Ports Authority workers to stop dredging activities along Likoni channel to allow recovery of two bodies, a move that caused jitters among DP William Ruto's camp.
“He is still simply an Opposition leader who we defeated in the last election and has just been brought near the fireplace to warm himself.
"We are asking public servants to ignore such orders even if put in writing. You will only have yourself to blame if you follow the order,” said Rigathi Gachagua.
But when asked if he can take orders from Mr Odinga, Tuju said he cannot, but insisted that it was also appropriate to look at the circumstances under which the order was given.
"No I cannot take the orders. But try to look at it keenly. It doesn't even look like an order. Assume you're reversing your vehicle and someone tells you to stop because you're almost at the stretch. You'll definitely stop," he said in Raila's defense.
For months now, Jubilee leaders allied to DP William Ruto have been pushing for resignation of Mr Tuju, accusing him of working with Raila Odinga.
Recently, the DP hit at the Jubilee Secretary General, accusing him of strategizing for Mr Odinga, who is said to be keen to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“So our democracy is so liberal that the secretary general of the ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu,” said Ruto.