Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel attended a WNBA match between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream in Brooklyn, New York, to support Kenyan-born star Madina Okot. The First Couple took a courtside seat to watch Okot in action, showcasing their pride in Kenya's basketball talent. This public display of support highlights the country's interest in Okot's achievements.
Madina Okot is East Africa's most successful basketball export, having been drafted 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She is the first Kenyan woman to reach and play at this level, marking a significant milestone in her career. Okot's journey from Mumias, Kenya, to the WNBA demonstrates her dedication and hard work.
Okot was born on August 23, 2004, in Mumias, Kenya, and started playing basketball in 2020. Her early life and education took place in Kenya, where she attended Kaya Tiwi Secondary School and later joined Zetech University. Okot's educational and athletic pursuits eventually led her to Mississippi State University, where she excelled in basketball.
During her 2024-25 season at Mississippi State, Okot had an impressive run, starting all 34 games and averaging 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. Her performance earned her recognition, including a 64.9% field goal percentage that ranked first in the SEC and fourth in NCAA Division I. Okot's achievements in college basketball paved the way for her WNBA career.
Okot's transfer to the South Carolina Gamecocks under coach Dawn Staley further solidified her skills, particularly in defense, as the team made a deep NCAA Tournament run to the Final Four. Her signature moment came with 21 points and 23 rebounds against Vanderbilt, marking her first career 20-20 game. This performance showcased her versatility and dominance on the court.
President Ruto and First Lady Rachel's attendance at the WNBA match was part of their visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The Kenyan delegation's presence at the game underscores the country's interest in Okot's success and its potential to inspire young athletes. Ruto later shared photos with Okot on his social media pages, highlighting their interaction.
Okot's achievements serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Kenya and beyond. As the first Kenyan woman to play in the WNBA, she has broken barriers and opened doors for future generations. With her talent, dedication, and support from her country, Okot is poised to continue making a name for herself in the world of basketball.
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, making her the first Kenyan woman to play at that level.
- Okot's impressive college basketball career at Mississippi State and South Carolina Gamecocks paved the way for her WNBA career.
