Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga on Sunday spoke for the first time the reason behind his orders in Likoni channel two weeks ago.
Flanked by Transport CS James Macharia, Mr Odinga ordered KPA officers to stop dredging activities so that divers could continue with their mission of recovering Mariam Kighenda and Amanda Mutheu's bodies.
The two, whose bodies were retrieved after 13 days, drowned into the Indian Ocean. They were buried on Saturday at Ukambani with former VP Kalonzo Musyoka attending.
Speaking on Sunday in Mombasa, Mr Odinga slammed his critics, adding that he issued the orders as a patriot Kenya.
"There are those who have been asking that why I gave the orders. I gave the order as a Kenyan," Odinga said, while paying tributes to the deceased.
A group of politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto accused Raila of overstepping lanes by issuing government orders.
Rigathi Gachagua, who termed Raila’s "attempt" to issue orders to public servants as a joke since the Opposition leader had no such powers.
“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,” Gachagua added.
Gachagua’s comments were supported by Kipkelion West MP Hillary Kosgey: “I am surprised. He can only ask Government to stop the dredging. I don’t know where he (Raila) got the authority. We are yet to know what the Handshake means. Initially we thought it was about uniting people, but it appears it’s all about power.”
Belgut MP Nelson Koech added: “Instructions are given when you hold a specific position. The directives should be dismissed since he has no authority. He thinks he has been bestowed powers by the handshake, which is extremely dangerous. This issue must be stopped lest it reaches a stage where he will issue orders the President will be uncomfortable with.”