President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto joined basketball fans in New York to support Kenyan-born WNBA star Madina Okot during Atlanta Dream’s clash against New York Liberty.
The President and First Lady watched the game from courtside at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Okot is continuing her debut season with the Atlanta Dream.
Ruto later shared a selfie with Rachel and Okot after meeting the basketball star on the court, creating a memorable moment for the Kenyan-born player.
Okot, 23, was selected 13th overall by Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft, becoming one of the latest Kenyan-born athletes to reach the highest level of professional basketball in the United States.
She has continued to make history during her debut WNBA campaign after developing her basketball career in the United States.
In the game against Liberty, Atlanta Dream secured an 83-65 victory, with Okot featuring for slightly more than two minutes and recording one rebound.
The appearance came as Okot continues adjusting to the pace and demands of the WNBA, having previously built a reputation as a talented forward during her college basketball career.
Okot described Ruto’s presence at the game as an honour and said the President’s support could help create more opportunities for Kenyan girls interested in pursuing careers in sport.
The meeting also offered Okot an opportunity to interact with Kenya’s President and First Lady on the international stage as she continues to represent her Kenyan heritage while competing in the WNBA.
Her emergence in the league has drawn attention in Kenya, with her journey providing a new connection between Kenyan basketball talent and professional opportunities in the United States.
