Biden rolls out the red carpet for Kenya’s President William Ruto and vows to ‘unite’ against ISIS and al-Shabaab ahead of lavish state dinner

President Joe Biden greeted Kenyan President William Ruto with full military honors during an elaborate arrival ceremony that marks the start of the first state visit by an African leader since 2008.

Ruto, 57, leads an East African democracy known for its stability in a region torn by civil war, militias and battles over resources.

The president will ask Congress to give Kenya the special designation of a “major non-NATO” U.S. ally, in the latest effort to keep the regional power close and demonstrate to other countries some of the benefits of U.S. cooperation.

It is the first country south of the Sahara to receive it.

“Kenya and America also stand united against the terror of ISIS and Al-Shabaab… which they continue to perpetrate in East Africa. The aggression that Russia inflicts on Ukraine. The violence that has toppled too many democracies in both our regions… The past is our proof that we are stronger and the world is safer when Kenya and the United States work together.”

“Democracy is clearly lagging behind globally and we see Kenya as an important, stable democracy in East Africa,” a senior government official said ahead of the visit.

The new status is aimed at “elevating and truly recognizing that Kenya is already a global partner of ours,” a senior government official told reporters.

Biden spoke about the day Kenya gained independence 60 years ago, reading from printed remarks.

“That new democracy is endearing and sustainable,” he said.

U.S. forces have been fighting ISIS forces for years, and Al-Shabaab continues its insurgency in neighboring Somalia.

‘This is the first state visit by an African head of state in almost twenty years. It’s long overdue,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters ahead of Thursday’s events.

The visit marks 60 years of a partnership between the U.S. and Kenya “based on shared values, deep collaboration and a common vision for the future,” according to a White House fact sheet.

The big event on the schedule is an elaborate state dinner for 500 people in a huge tent on the South Lawn. Former President Barack Obama, who has Kenyan roots, is not expected to attend, but a bevy of big-name actors and deep-pocketed donors are expected this election year.

There are also matters on the table. Kenya’s highways authority has announced an agreement with US firm Everstrong Capital for a $3.6 billion highway construction deal linking the capital Nairobi to Mombasa.

“The project expects to attract investments totaling US$3.6 billion from international investors, development agencies, pension funds and an exceptionally large number of Kenyan private investors,” Everstrong said in a statement.

Biden approached a podium to speak before catching himself waiting for a military honor guard

The White House filled the South Lawn with visitors for the event

First lady Jill Biden held the president’s hand after his remarks

Ruto was greeted with military honors in a visit that underlines the importance of the democratic ally in a conflict-ridden region

Military bands and a five and drum corps were present at the ceremony

White House and National Park Service officials prepare for the official state arrival ceremony for Kenyan President William Ruto on the South Lawn

Biden promised on December 22 to visit Africa the following year, but that did not happen.

Sullivan isn’t being pinned down to an exact time frame. “He intends to do this as president of the United States,” he said Wednesday.

Ruto is considered a ‘international operator‘, and Kenyan troops will lead an international peacekeeping effort intended to bring a degree of stability to Haiti.

The morning ceremony was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other top officials.

Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto arrived in a black SUV. The Bidens greeted them, with first lady Jill Biden pointing to her counterpart where they should stand.

The group then greeted Vice President Harris and other officials from both administrations.

At one point, after surveying the assembled US troops with Ruto, Biden walked to the lectern as if to say something, corrected himself and waited for a five-and-drum corps to perform.

Ruto started his speech with a greeting in Swahili. “Jambo,” he said. He called Kenya a “proud democratic nation,” citing the challenges of climate change and “indebtedness.”