Madina Okot, the Kenyan basketball sensation, on Thursday, September 24 had special guests at Atlanta Dream’s final WNBA regular season match— President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.

Ruto and his spouse were sitting on the courtside as Madina’s side thrashed New York Liberty 83-65.

Ruto is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and found time to see the 22-year-old play.

“That was a very good honour, I appreciate him showing up,” Madina told The Associated Press after Atlanta’s win. “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.”

Accompanying President Ruto to the game was NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum and members of NBA Africa.

After the match, President Ruto and First Lady interacted with Madina, even taking a selfie, with the first family marvelled at the athlete standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall.

“I got to talk some Swahili today,” a smiling Madina said. “So happy I spoke Swahili to my president and the first lady.”

Madina was drafted No. 13 by the Atlanta Dream back in April 2026. She was only the third Kenyan to be chosen in the WNBA draft, with Madina becoming the highest pick ever from her country.

“I was so nervous,” she told BBC Sport Africa back in April 13, reflecting on those moments inside the venue before she got drafted. “When I heard my name, it was like a dream. Am I here? Am I really doing this?”