Kenya's President William Ruto attends Atlanta Dream win to watch Madina Okot play
President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
NEW YORK (AP) — Madina Okot had a special guest at the Atlanta Dream's win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday night as Kenyan President William Ruto was sitting courtside.
He was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week and wanted to see her play.
“That was a very good honor, I appreciate him showing up,” Okot told The Associated Press after Atlanta's 83-65 win on Wednesday night. “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."
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Kenya's President William Ruto attends Atlanta Dream win to watch Madina Okot play
President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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By DOUG FEINBERG
NEW YORK (AP) — Madina Okot had a special guest at the Atlanta Dream's win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday night as Kenyan President William Ruto was sitting courtside.
He was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week and wanted to see her play.
“That was a very good honor, I appreciate him showing up,” Okot told The Associated Press after Atlanta's 83-65 win on Wednesday night. “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."
Ruto watched the game with his wife Rachel and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum as well as members of NBA Africa.
The president took a selfie with the first lady and Okot as they talked on the court.
“I got to talk some Swahili today,” said a smiling Okot. “So happy I spoke Swahili to my president and the first lady.”
Ruto celebrated Okot getting drafted No. 13 by the Atlanta Dream back in April. Okot had two points and two rebounds in the win against New York.
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