Former President Barack Obama surprised attendees at President Joe Biden's state dinner for the president of Kenya. Obama, dressed in a tuxedo, made an impromptu visit to the glass pavilion on the South Lawn where the dinner was taking place. He mingled with guests for about 10 minutes before departing through a side door while President Biden was giving a toast.
During the event, Biden acknowledged Obama's presence, highlighting the importance of his attendance. Earlier in the day, Obama met with Kenyan President William Ruto at Blair House, discussing various topics including opportunities for African youth and democratic developments. The Bidens hosted the Rutos for their sixth state dinner, which was the largest of the administration thus far with 500 guests in attendance.
The event included toasts and performances, with the Howard University Gospel Choir entertaining guests in the glass pavilion. Former presidents are not typically invited to White House state dinners to avoid overshadowing the current administration. However, the Bidens had previously broken this tradition by inviting former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton to a recent dinner, paving the way for Obama's attendance at the state dinner with Kenya.
Obama's historic presidency as the first black president in the country was noted during the event, underscoring his unique background with a white mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya.