I was standing on the White House lawn in the famed Rose Garden waiting to watch President William Ruto and his host US President Joe Biden walk along the corridor to the Oval Office. Even though Ruto was yet to arrive, as the iconic walk has been immortalised over the years by various US presidents and their guests. As journalists who had accompanied President Ruto on this visit, we were here to witness this ritual firsthand.
For Ruto who was staying in nearby Blair House, often referred to as the US president’s guest house, it would be a short hop to the White House and the famous walk into the Oval Office. We had arrived outside one of the world’s most famous streets; 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the official address of the White House, early. The street in front of the building itself was cordoned off with metal barriers and anyone entering had to stop and go through thorough screening that included metal detectors and sniffer dogs.
This took some time. We had to arrive early to be processed. Upon entry, we were guided up the long driveway to the side of the main building, to a holding area in the press conference room where the White House spokesperson holds briefings.
It was a medium sized affair akin to a a podium and folding chairs. It had racks for storage of equipment and a vending machine for water and snacks that after a quick introduction by a member of the White House press corp, we got very well acquainted with. When time came for the Rose Garden walk, we were.
