Like I wrote, this is now the question between The Ethnic Rag Media and The Ethnic Rag Journalists.
My focus, before you interrupted, was on the damage limitation. I have been looking atvthe various excuses, explanations and justifications and I ask myself why they find it necessary to offer them. He stayed away to protect the mystery and aura of the Presidency - away from Raila. That much anybody who knows campaigns would agree.
Teresa May kept out; George H.W. Bush made an impulsive decision to participate against Campaign Manager James Baker's advise. He later regretted as he was bested by Bill Clinton and damaged by Ross Perot. I personally think he could have won had he stayed away and avoided Perot's fire and quips such as "If you have another idea I am all ears" and people looked at the big ears and Bush came out injured.
He need not apologize. It shows and proves he is hurt.