The national chairman of Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Johnson Muthama has stirred mixed reactions on the internet after sending his birthday wishes to ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The former Prime Minister on January 7, 2022 marked his 77th birthday.

Joining other Kenyans in wishing Raila well on his special day was the former Machakos County Senator, who was once his political loyalist.

Muthama who is currently a staunch supporter of DP Ruto through his official Twitter account said that the hustler nation was wishing Raila good health as he celebrates his special day.

Muthama who has declared his interest in the Machakos County gubernatorial seat shared a photo of him with Raila at a past political event, with the caption catching the attention of netizens.

“Happy Birthday Jakom (Raila Odinga). The Hustler Nation wishes you good health as you celebrate your special day,” reads Muthama’s post.

A section of netizens while reacting to the post hailed Muthama for displaying what they termed as statesmanship.

Some argued that the UDA chairman had demonstrated that he is indeed a leader.

“Now, this is leadership. Very good gesture from you sir. We may disagree on some issues but we are all Kenyans. Baba the 5th,” posted one of the netizens.

“Now u have my vote as governor machakos. This has earned you my vote,” another Twitter user called Kevine Oscar reacted.

Muthama was in Raila’s NASA camp during the last 2017 general elections, but did not defend his senate seat. During the 2013 general elections, he was also in Raila’s CORD camp, winning the Machakos senatorial seat on a Wiper party ticket, which was an affiliate of the coalition.

Below are some of the reactions from Muthama’s post.