Why are these guys making a big deal out of Kibaki not attending the function?If he does not want to attend as evident he should be left alone.Even if he was to attend he would only plant a single tree.

...I wonder why the kibaki is behaving the way he is doing...like he has other 20 years to call us pumbavu!!! He can only gain points in his legacy if he attends the function. I think as days go by he is becoming more and more of an IDIOT...

Ondiek:

Kibaki IS supposedly the president of this country, who promised to lead the coalition government with the PM as a team. He personally assigned the PM duties of reclaiming the MAU during the official launch of the PM's strategic plan.

Kibaki was there in Copenhagen last month and he endorsed the conference accord on behalf of all Kenyans.

Kibaki called year 2010 the 'Green Year for Kenya'.

Kibaki's own minister for forestry, was the one who announced that he would lead the launch together with the PM. Muthaura followed it up with a postponement, and now PPS have emerged with an embarrassing denial / cancellation.

That MAU has been politicized is no secret. The PM has been constantly vilified for advancing the government agenda for reclamation of the MAU. It is high time Kibaki expressed solidarity with his PM, if they truly are working as a team serving the same coalition government.

Swearing in judges is certainly not a whole day's affair. It is also not a matter of life and death. Any of the two functions can be done on the same day or rescheduled to fit into the presidential diary. What is important is that the people to see Kibaki's symbolic support for reforestation of Kenya beginning with MAU.

The significance of Kibaki's attendance is not just to plant a single seedling. Heads of State are expected to lead from the front so as to positively inspire their citizens. Can you imagine what would happen if ALL of Kenya's 40 million citizens planted a single seedling each? Surely, that would translate into a straight NOBEL PEACE PRICE for Kibaki, if not something else.

I think the bad history of Mau is the reason behind Kibaki keeping away. Mau was the determinant on how Rift Valley voted in the last election. Kimunya's action in Mau had not been forgotten. The burning of homes, destruction of schools, forceful eviction etc.. One newspaper predicted yesterday that the Mau issue will be the factor in 2012. I would not go there if I were him unless I am sure how it will taken in a more clear picture.

@ FundamentAli - What does Kibaki have to lose in 2012? It is time this guy stood up for something and stopped cowering at every issue he is confronted by.