Biden Woos Kenya’s Ruto With Major Ally Status on State Visit

First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya, Kenyan President William Ruto, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden wave to the crowd during an official arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2024. Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP

By Danny Kemp

A diplomatic upgrade and a surprise appearance by Barack Obama: U.S. President Joe Biden pulled out the stops as he hosted Kenyan counterpart William Ruto for a lavish state visit aimed at competing with Russia and China for influence in Africa.

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by Agence France-Presse

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