The White House brought some serious star power, including high-profile names from entertainment and politics, to the state dinner Thursday night for Kenyan President William Ruto.

Invitees included Levar Burton, of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, actors Wilmer Valderrama and Sean Penn, Singer Don McLean, best known for “American Pie,” and Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Mr. Paisley was scheduled to perform at the dinner.

Big names from the world of politics included former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary. and her former top aide, Huma Abedin, the ex-wife of disgraced congressman Anthony Weiner.

Others of note were Rep. Illhan Omar, Minnesota Democrat, and Democratic mayors Andre Dickens of Atlanta and Kate Gallego of Phoenix. Longtime Democratic activist and former presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton was also a guest.

When he arrived at the White House, Mr. Sharpton told reporters that “democracy is going to win in ’24.”

The dinner is part of President Biden’s efforts to boost ties with Africa, which he sees as critical to combating terror groups like the Islamic State.

The menu featured lobster poached in butter along with marinated and lightly smoked short ribs served with kale, roasted corn, corn puree, roasted turnips, sweet potatoes and squash.

Dessert was a homemade white chocolate basket with a nectarine paste, banana ganache, fresh raspberries and peaches surrounded by fresh strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

The U.S. and Kenyan flags will be stamped on the basket’s cove at the front of the dessert dish.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.