Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Reaction to Gachagua’s interview

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was in an interview with a local TV station, and he reacted to claims he is behind the hiring of goons during protests.

Gachagua reacted to such claims, saying that he is not part of such organisation and also denied that the demonstrations are meant to overthrow the government.

“I do not know if there is anyone who wants to overthrow William Ruto. If there was a coup, all this nonsense that there was a coup, that they wanted to overthrow Ruto, is just his boys trying to hype him and cheat him so that he does not see the reality that Kenyans are agitating for reforms.

“They want to just lie to William Ruto that all this clamour you are seeing is not genuine; Kenyans are not angry; they still love and they still support you; they are all lies,” Gachagua said.

His comments are expected to draw reactions from the pro-government politicians.

Ruto’s KDF appointments

On June 27, it was revealed that the president had made new appointments to the senior positions in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed as the new commander of the Kenya Army.

He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who was redeployed to serve as the vice chancellor of the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K).

Major General Benard Waliaula was appointed as the new commander of the Kenya Air Force.

He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, whose distinguished 42-year military career has come to an end.

The president also promoted Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi to the rank of major general. He has been appointed as the new commandant of the Kenya Military Academy. He previously served as the commander of the armoured brigade.

These appointments are expected to stir a reaction from several quarters.

Maraga’s security withdrawal

After former Chief Justice David Maraga said that his security detail was withdrawn, the opposition is set to issue demands over the same.

“I wish to remind the leadership of the police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration that the security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law. It is on this basis that I demand the immediate restoration of my security,” Maraga said.

The retired CJ has been a vocal anti-government critic.