Nairobi, April 19 -- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi have blamed the latest rise in fuel prices on global oil market disruptions triggered by Middle East tensions, while defending the government-to-government fuel deal as key in containing further increases.

Prof Kindiki has urged Kenyans to remain patient, dismissing calls for protests and linking the price surge to the Iran-Israel conflict.

"The recent escalation of oil prices is a result of the Israel-Iran conflict. Those calling for oil protests should understand that demonstrations will not bring prices down," he said.

He also appealed to the citizens to give the government more time to address the crisis. 

"I am confident that the...