Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has asked Kenyans to exercise patience and shun violence while the government negotiates with stakeholders over rising fuel costs, which he blamed on the ongoing Iran conflict. Speaking Monday at his rural home in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kindiki said President William Ruto—currently in Azerbaijan—had directed him and four Cabinet Secretaries to lead talks with public transport owners, manufacturers, and other fuel-dependent industries. He described the fuel shock as a global issue that should not be politicized, challenging critics to name any country unaffected by rising fuel prices. Kindiki noted that before the latest conflict, the government had lowered pump prices from Ksh.218 to Ksh.171 per litre. While acknowledging the right to protest, he warned against property destruction, looting, and anarchy, stating that violence cannot solve the fuel crisis. He also cautioned against incitement for political gain amid economic strain. Additionally, Kindiki announced that the National Infrastructure Fund holds Ksh.350 billion, which will fund water, energy, and infrastructure projects in arid and semi-arid regions starting next year.