Apostle Selman Raises Kenya’s Security Concerns at Rhema Feast Attended by President Ruto

Nigerian preacher Apostle Joshua Selman has warned that insecurity could undermine Kenya’s investment prospects, urging Kenyans to take responsibility for safeguarding the country and linking personal integrity to national security. 

Speaking on Friday at Rhema Feast, a Christian festival held in Nairobi, Selman said both the government and citizens have a role to play in ensuring Kenya’s security. 

“We must steward the security of Kenya. Nobody will come to invest in Kenya when there are security problems. The Government has its role, and we pray that God will continue empowering the government. On your part, you must learn the scope of security...Killing greed is a security strategy; when you kill greed from your life its a security strategy.”

President William Ruto was among those who attended the Rhema Feast together with First Lady Rachel Ruto. Selman praised Ruto’s presence at the event, saying it was unusual for leaders at the highest level to take time to listen and learn.

“I have the honour of meeting many presidents; it is not a usual thing to find leaders at the highest level sit, listen and learn. That, for me, is an embodiment of the willingness to bring reformation and transformation and is worthy of commendation," Apostle Selman said.

In a statement following the service, the First Lady described the gathering as an opportunity for faith, fellowship and thanksgiving, while emphasising the importance of unity and prayer for the country.

“It was a beautiful evening of faith, fellowship and thanksgiving, bringing together people from different walks of life in worship and celebration. The Rhema Feast offered an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the importance of standing together as a nation, guided by faith, hope and love," she said.

Selman’s remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity and political violence in Kenya, including recent incidents involving suspected goons. 

On August 16, violence was reported during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, where vehicles were reportedly torched after suspected goons disrupted the gathering. Similar violence was reported later in August in Migori, where a vehicle in a Linda Mwananchi convoy was torched during a rally in Awendo, amid claims of attacks targeting opposition activities.

Concerns over public safety have also extended beyond political gatherings. Earlier in August, footage circulated showing a group of men allegedly using a rope to stop and rob motorists in Nairobi’s Hurlingham area. Police later arrested several suspects in connection with the incident.

More recently, security concerns were renewed following the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich on September 1. He was reportedly seized by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Highway before being found safe several hours later.

It is against this backdrop that Selman urged Kenyans to view security as a shared responsibility, arguing that individual conduct, including the fight against greed, also contributes to the country’s overall security and economic well-being.