Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for calm and national unity as the government rolls out fresh measures aimed at addressing rising fuel prices triggered by global instability linked to the Iran conflict.

He warned Kenyans against violent protests and destruction of property, insisting that economic pressure caused by international oil disruptions cannot be solved through chaos or political agitation.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders from Tharaka Constituency at his Irunduni residence in Tharaka-Nithi County on Monday, Kindiki emphasized that the fuel price surge is part of a global trend affecting nearly all economies.

He noted that Kenya had previously made significant gains in lowering fuel costs through targeted government interventions under President William Ruto’s administration, which had reduced prices from about Sh218 per litre to nearly Sh171 before external shocks reversed the trend.

“Fuel prices are not determined in isolation. This is a global market influenced by geopolitical events beyond our control,” he said.

Kindiki defended the government’s economic strategy, stating that reductions in Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent, alongside sustained injections into the fuel stabilisation fund, had shielded Kenyans from even higher costs.

He argued that without these measures, fuel prices would likely have surged to between Sh300 and Sh400 per litre, placing severe strain on households, transport operators and manufacturers.

“Government measures had prevented fuel prices from soaring to unprecedented levels,” he reiterated, adding that ongoing consultations would help identify additional mitigation strategies.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto, currently on an official visit in Azerbaijan, has instructed Deputy President Kindiki and Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Davis Chirchir, Opiyo Wandayi and Kipchumba Murkomen to convene urgent talks with key stakeholders in the petroleum and transport sectors.

The discussions will bring together public service vehicle operators, manufacturers and other stakeholders heavily dependent on fuel, with the aim of developing practical solutions to stabilise prices and protect the economy.

Kindiki urged political leaders and citizens alike to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, warning that incitement to violence or economic sabotage undermines national stability.

“It is unpatriotic for anyone to exploit the current situation for political gain through destruction and lawlessness,” he said, stressing that peaceful dialogue remains the only viable path forward.

He further revealed that the National Infrastructure Fund, which currently holds Sh350 billion, will finance major development projects in water, energy and infrastructure, particularly targeting underserved arid and semi-arid regions in the coming year.