President William Ruto and his wife Rachel recently attended a WNBA match between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream in Brooklyn. The First Couple took a courtside seat to watch Kenyan-born player Madina Okot in action. This display of support was a notable moment for Okot, who has made history as the first Kenyan woman to be drafted into the WNBA. Ruto later shared photos of the moment on his social media pages.
Madina Okot was drafted 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She is considered one of East Africa's most successful basketball exports. Okot's journey to the WNBA began in Mumias, Kenya, where she was born on August 23, 2004. She started playing basketball in 2020 and has since made a name for herself in the sport. Her achievements have inspired many young athletes in Kenya and beyond.
Okot's basketball career has been on a rapid rise. She attended Kaya Tiwi Secondary School, where her game was shaped under coach Philip Onyango. Initially, she was a volleyball player at Bishop Sulumeti High School. In January 2023, Okot joined Zetech University, completing a diploma by August 2024. She then moved to Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in Business Administration.
During her 2024-25 season at Mississippi State, Okot had an impressive run. She started all 34 games, averaging 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 22.6 minutes per game. Her 64.9% field goal percentage ranked first in the SEC and fourth in all of NCAA Division I. Okot scored in double figures 22 times and had a season-high 26 points against UMES.
Okot's standout performance included a 20-20 game against Vanderbilt, where she scored 21 points and grabbed 23 rebounds. This achievement marked her first career 20-20 game and one of 12 double-doubles on the season. Her impressive stats made her a leading rebounder and one of the top shot-blockers for her team.
After her successful stint at Mississippi State, Okot transferred to the South Carolina Gamecocks under legendary coach Dawn Staley. She played a key role in the team's defense as they made a deep NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four. Okot's experience and skills have made her a valuable asset to her team.
President Ruto and his delegation are in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Their attendance at the WNBA match was a testament to their support for Kenyan athletes. Okot's achievements have brought pride to Kenya, and her success story serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.
Key points
- President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto attended a WNBA match to support Kenyan-born star Madina Okot.
- Madina Okot was drafted 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- Okot has become one of East Africa's most successful basketball exports, inspiring many young athletes.
