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White House state dinner: Melinda Gates, Sean Penn, Don McLean among guests at event for Kenyan president

By Bhavik Grover
Published on : 03:24 PST, May 24, 2024

White House state dinner: Melinda Gates, Sean Penn, Don McLean among guests at event honoring Kenyan president

(L-R) Melinda French Gates with son Rory Gates, Pete Buttigieg with husband Chasten Glezman, and Don McLean with girlfriend Paris Dunn radiated elegance and grace at the State Dinner (Getty Images)

Glittering White House dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto draws luminaries from politics, arts, and activism

(L-R) Sean Penn with colleague Ann Lee and Al Sharpton with girlfriend Aisha McKaw were some of the high-profile guests at the White House event (Getty Images)

On the evening of Thursday, May 23, the White House rolled out the red carpet for a star-studded State Dinner honoring Kenya's President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. The prestigious event attracted a variety of prominent figures from the world of politics, entertainment, and civil rights activism, creating a dazzling atmosphere. The guest list read like a who's who of American power and influence. The high-profile event was a celebration of the enduring ties between the United States and the East African nation. With grandeur fitting the occasion, the historic halls and grounds of the presidential residence were transformed into a glittering spectacle, setting the stage for a night of diplomatic celebration and cultural exchange, as per PEOPLE.

1. Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto, Kenya's President William Ruto, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden stand with Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto as they arrive for a State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden is hosting President Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) — Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto were welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Kenya's First Lady Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto were welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, setting the tone for an evening of diplomatic and cultural exchange. Rachel Ruto, known for her advocacy in education and women's empowerment, has led initiatives to improve the lives of women and children in Kenya. President William Ruto, a key figure in Kenya's political landscape, has focused his administration on economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.

2. Vice President Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: U.S. 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, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, were also present at the event (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, were also present, showcasing the administration's full support. Harris has been making headlines for her efforts on voting rights and immigration reform.

3. Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States and The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th Secretary of State of the United States arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have remained active in the public sphere with various humanitarian initiatives (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton made a notable appearance, reflecting their ongoing influence and engagement in global affairs. The Clintons remain active in various humanitarian initiatives, with Hillary recently voicing strong opinions on domestic political matters.

4. Al Sharpton and Aisha McShaw

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Reverend Alfred Sharpton and Aisha McShaw arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Reverend Al Sharpton was seen at the event with his girlfriend Aisha McShaw (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Reverend Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader, attended with his girlfriend Aisha McShaw. Sharpton has long been a prominent voice in the fight for racial justice and equality in the United States. He was recently in the news for his sharp and polarizing commentary on the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses in the United States.

5. Natalie Biden and Rafael Hajjar

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Natalie Biden and Rafael Hajjar arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Joe Biden's granddaughter Natalie Biden was in attendance with her boyfriend Rafael Hajjar (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Natalie Biden, granddaughter of Joe Biden, attended with her boyfriend Rafael Hajjar. Natalie has been seen increasingly in public, supporting her grandfather and engaging in youth-oriented initiatives.

6. Don McLean and Paris Dunn

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Don McLean and Paris Dunn arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Don McLean and Paris Dunn arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Singer Don McLean with his girlfriend Paris Dunn at the state dinner for Kenya's President (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Singer Don McLean, best known for his classic hit 'American Pie', attended with his girlfriend Paris Dunn. McLean remains a significant figure in the music industry, and his relationship with Dunn has been the subject of media attention.

7. Melinda French Gates and Rory Gates

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Melinda French Gates and Rory Gates arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Melinda French Gates and her son Rory Gates attended the state dinner together (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Melinda French Gates attended the event with her son Rory Gates. Melinda continues to be a leading figure in global health and education initiatives. She recently made headlines with her surprise announcement of resigning as a co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

8. Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Glezman

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation and Chasten Buttigieg arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten Glezman at the state dinner for Kenya's President (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten Glezman were also in attendance. Buttigieg, a key figure in the Biden administration, has been actively addressing transportation infrastructure issues across the United States.

9. Sean Penn and Ann Lee

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Sean Penn and Ann Lee arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) — Sean Penn attended the event with his CORE foundation colleague Ann Lee (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Sean Penn, the actor and activist, was another high-profile guest who attended with his CORE foundation colleague Ann Lee. Known for his humanitarian efforts, Penn recently focused on providing aid to Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts, showcasing his commitment to global issues.

10. Brad Paisley

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: Country music singer Brad Paisley performs at a state dinner hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden is hosting President Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto for a state visit, which included a bilateral meeting, a joint press conference and state dinner. Ruto’s visit is the first official state visit to the White House by a leader from an African country since 2008. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) — Country music star Brad Paisley performed at the event, adding a touch of Americana to the evening (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Country music star Brad Paisley performed at the event, adding a touch of Americana to the evening. Paisley, known for his hits and philanthropic work, has been actively involved in various charitable causes, making his performance a highlight of the night.

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