By Pura Vida Sports Africa Reporter
All Photos: Presidential Communication Service (PCS)
In between his busy schedule at the United Nations General Assembly, President William Ruto made time in Brooklyn to witness Kenya’s Madina Okot play in the winning side as Atlanta Dream handed New York Liberty an 83-65 defeat in the WNBA League at Barclays Centre on Wednesday night.
For the Atlanta Dream, this victory secures the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs and ties a franchise record with their 30th win, ensuring they will hold all-important home-court advantage in their best-of-three opening-round series beginning Sunday
And rookie centre Okot maximised her limited court time in front of her Head of State and First Lady Rachel to make a highly efficient impact. Playing just three minutes off the bench, Okot displayed remarkable per-minute productivity by scoring two points and pulling down two rebounds (including one offensive board), executing a late layup-off her own second-chance opportunity.
Despite committing two quick personal fouls during the final stretch, the former Kaya Tiwi Secondary School star's brief stint was a proud moment for Kenyan basketball — witnessed courtside by the Kenyan — as she helped the Dream lock down the Number Four seed heading into the WNBA playoff.
History For Kenya
Okot made history when she was drafted into the WNBA on Monday, April 13, 2026, with having made a mark for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025/26 season that saw her emerge as one of the most productive frontcourt players in women’s college basketball.
She was part of the Gamecocks squad that reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of the collegiate game.
“Madina brought so much to our team this year both on the court and off. She is incredibly young in her basketball career, but her maturity and desire to improve her game go well beyond those years. We have seen so much growth from her over the course of the season, and everyone around our program is excited to see her thrive at the next level.” Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, said at the time.
Okot has made remarkable progression in the game, having only begun playing basketball in 2020, starting off her college career in Kenya playing for Zetech University before spending two years in the US collegiate system, first with the Mississippi State Bulldogs, before joining South Carolina Gamecocks.
Following the Atlanta Dream's victory on Wednesday night, Okot expressed deep gratitude and excitement over President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto’s courtside presence at Barclays Center.
Blessed to Get President’s Support
“That was a very good honour, I appreciate him showing up. I’m the only Kenyan over here and it just shows how much he supports sports at home. I hope that this opens up opportunities for other girls. I’m so much blessed to get support from him,” Okoth told Associate Press.
Aside from the official support, Okot also shared a lighter, personal highlight from their post-game courtside interaction, smiling as she noted, “I got to talk some Swahili today. So happy I spoke Swahili to my president and the First Lady.”
First Lady Rachel Ruto was impressed by Okot's humility and success. "It was a proud moment watching our very own Madina Okot, professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream, take to the court in New York. H.E. President William Ruto and I met her after the game to celebrate her journey and achievements," the First Lady said.
"Okot is talented, determined and driven, qualities that continue to define our sportsmen and sportswomen who are making their mark at home and on the global stage."
President Ruto later met with NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum to review Kenya’s partnership with the NBA and shared ambition to grow basketball from the grassroots to the professional level.
“We discussed the progress of NBA Africa and Basketball Africa League franchises, development of the Railway City multi-purpose arena, refurbishment of Kasarani and continued investment in basketball courts,” the President said.
“We also reviewed implementation of our MoU on grassroots development and plans to integrate basketball courts into Affordable Housing Programme projects. We will also deepen collaboration between the NBA and the Kenya Tourism Board to promote Kenya through sport and expand opportunities for our young people,” the President added.
Meeting With UN Secretary General
President Ruto has been on a busy schedule in New York one of the highlights being his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We discussed peace and security in our region and the importance of advancing African-led solutions through the African Peace and Security Architecture. Kenya remains committed to playing its part in building peace and strengthening multilateralism,” the President later said in a statement.
“We value our partnership with the United Nations in strengthening the UN Office at Nairobi and consolidating Nairobi’s place as the UN’s principal hub in the Global South.
“As he approaches the conclusion of his stewardship, we commend Secretary-General Guterres for his steadfast leadership and advocacy for a fairer international financial architecture, greater African representation and a stronger voice for the Global South. The greatest tribute to his leadership will be to turn these reforms into reality.”
