Connect with us

World

White House State Dinner: Obama and other stars woo Kenya’s Ruto

Published

on

White House State Dinner: Obama and other stars woo Kenya’s Ruto

By Danai Nesta Kupemba,BBC News

Getty Images US President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya and their daughters arrive for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2024Getty Images

The White House pulled out all the stops for Kenya’s President William Ruto and his wife Rachel with a State Dinner that included celebrity guests, a succulent menu and electric performances.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden ensured no expense was spared in honouring Kenya, one of their closest allies in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Kenya first couple were accompanied by three of their daughters and were all pictured on the red carpet ahead of the evening’s entertainments – as seen above.

State Dinners are organised by the first lady and her staff and involve much pomp and circumstance.

The invitation list, menu, flowers – all pink orchids and red roses for Thursday – and table settings are all meticulously planned.

Getty Images US first lady Jill Biden talking at the dinnerGetty Images

It was a big night for the US first lady

It was also a chance to see great fashion, here US Vice-President Kamala Harris dazzled in a green ensemble and other guests chose an African theme:

Getty Images US Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas C. Emhoff arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DCGetty Images

The US Vice-President Harris was accompanied by second gentleman Douglas C Emhoff

Reuters Caroline A Wanga and Barkue Tubman arrive for an official State Dinner held by US President Joe Biden in honour of Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House in Washington, US, 23 May 2024Reuters

Entrepreneur Caroline A Wanga and Barkue Tubman were pictured together on their arrival

The black-tie event was a star-studded affair with celebrities from the screen such as Black Panther actress Danai Gurira, who is from Zimbabwe, and LeVar Burton, who made his name playing Kunta Kinte in Roots.

EPA Actress Danai Gurira (R) and Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (L) arrive to attend a state dinner in honour of Kenya's president,EPA

Danai Gurira (R) was pictured with Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of the One campaign

EPA Actor LeVar Burton (L) and Stephanie Cozart Burton (R) arrive to arrive to attend a state dinner in honor of Kenya's president hosted by US presidenEPA

Actor LeVar Burton attended with this wife and fellow actor Stephanie Cozart Burton

Former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary were also there – and ex-President Barack Obama, whose father was Kenyan, swooped in with a surprise appearance.

Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, was also in attendance.

Reuters Former US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attend an official State Dinner in honour of Kenya's President William Ruto at the White House in WashingtonReuters

Reports say Mr Obama only for stayed for a brief time

EPA Hillary Clinton (C), former US secretary of state, speaks with Reverend Al Sharpton (R), founder and president of the National Action Network, during a state dinner at the White House in Washington, DC, US, 23 May 2024.EPA

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks to civil rights campaigner Al Sharpton

AFP US Representative Ilhan Omar (L) and Tim Mynett arrive at the Booksellers Room of the White House on the occasion of the State Dinner with the Kenyan president at the White House in WashingtonAFP

Ilhan Omar was accompanied by her husband Tim Mynett

The mouth-watering menu, which primarily showcased American cuisine leaving little room for Kenyan food, included short ribs, lobster and sweet corn.

Getty Images A place setting at the State House dinnerGetty Images

In his toast, President Ruto said: “We proudly take a firm stance, shoulder to shoulder, for democracy in a world where troubles have shaken the faith of men.”

EPA William Ruto (L), Kenya's president, speaks during a toast at the White House - 23 May 2024EPA

Performances from country singer Brad Paisley and the gospel choir of Howard University enchanted the guests.

Reuters Singer Brad Paisley performs during an official State Dinner in honour of Kenya's President William Ruto at the White House in Washington, US - 23 May 2024Reuters

Country singer Brad Paisley wore his signature cowboy hat

EPA The Howard University Gospel ChoirEPA

The Howard University Gospel Choir in full voice

Images subject to copyright

You may also be interested:

Getty Images/BBC A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News AfricaGetty Images/BBC
Continue Reading