By Hilary KimuyuMay 23rd, 2024 2 min read
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrive in Washington DC. PHOTO PCS
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will be hosted by the Bidens for a state dinner at the White House on Thursday evening, following an invitation from President Joe Biden.
Kenya will be the first African nation in almost 15 years to be hosted for a state dinner at the White House, with a menu that includes butter-poached lobster and a white chocolate basket with banana ganache, raspberries, peaches and candied lime peel.
President Ruto on Monday began his historic four-day state visit to the United States of America, the first by an African leader in 15 years.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, May 22, First Lady Jill Biden revealed that the elegant dinner will be held under the stars in a pavilion made almost entirely of glass, looking up at the sky.
“Tomorrow night, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the partnership between the United States and Kenya with an elegant dinner under the stars, in a pavilion made almost entirely of glass, looking up at our one sky. While the night surrounds us outside, inside guests will be brought together by the glow of candles in a room saturated with warm pinks and reds,” she said.
For the US, a state dinner is one of the most glamorous events hosted by the White House for a visiting head of government or reigning monarch, and has been used in the past to demonstrate diplomatic unity.
For starters, President Ruto and the First Lady will be served chilled heirloom tomato soup with sourdough crisps and Arbequina olive oil.
The black tie event will then move on to fruitwood smoked beef short ribs and butter-poached lobster with citrus butter, baby kale and sweet corn puree.
Dessert includes a white chocolate basket with banana ganache, raspberries, peaches and candied lime zest.
Guests will also be paired with three wines during dinner: a Hartford Court Chardonnay from Four Hearts Vineyard, a Pinot Noir from St. Innocent Winery and an Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut sparkling wine.
The Howard Gospel Choir and Brad Paisley have been chosen to entertain guests in honour of President and First Lady Ruto’s love of gospel and country music.
As the guests depart, their paths will be lit by the moon. According to the US First Lady, this is meant to surround the guests with the warmth she received during her visit to Kenya.
“As guests leave their path lit by our one moon, I hope they are filled with the same warmth I felt during my visits to Kenya – the warmth of friendships that will endure and help create a bright and prosperous future,” the First Lady said.
Planning for the State Dinner is done by the First Lady’s staff and the White House Social Office and begins months in advance.
Newsessentials Blog 
Posted on May 23, 2024
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