Inside the White House State Dinner for Kenyan President: Delicacies and Diplomacy Unveiled
President William Ruto's visit marks the first state visit by a Kenyan president to the U.S. in 20 years.
Ruto is the first African leader to make a state visit to the U.S. since 2008.
The state dinner menu features smoked short ribs and buttered lobster, showcasing the best of American cuisine.
The dinner decor includes roses and orchids, symbolizing the unity between the U.S. and Kenya.
Unlike other visiting heads of state, Ruto was not invited to address a joint session of Congress, causing political uproar.
The last African leader to address Congress was Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2006.
Over 60 members of the Congressional Black Caucus signed a letter demanding equal respect for Ruto.
President Biden is expected to designate Kenya as a major "non-NATO Ally," strengthening military and defense ties.
The U.S. and Kenya will collaborate on tackling the climate crisis as part of their deepened partnership.