June 11, 2026, Naantali, Espoo, Finland: William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya. Kultaranta Talks 2026. Naantali, Finland Naantali Finland - ZUMAt172 20260611_zip_t172_265 Copyright: xJosexTabaresx
June 11, 2026, Naantali, Espoo, Finland: William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya. Kultaranta Talks 2026. Naantali, Finland Naantali Finland - ZUMAt172 20260611_zip_t172_265 Copyright: xJosexTabaresx
A Kenyan center playing in the WNBA got an unexpected visitor from home. Kenya’s fifth and current president, William Ruto, was in the stands for the Atlanta Dream’s game against the New York Liberty. It wasn’t just for the basketball. The president was there to support Madina Okot.
Ruto carved out time from his UN schedule to catch the game. Okot was taken aback by his presence.
“That was a very good honor, I appreciate him showing up,” Okot told The Associated Press, “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."
Connecticut Sun v Atlanta Dream Connecticut Sun v Atlanta Dream COLLEGE PARK, GA - JUNE 2: Madina Okot 11 of the Atlanta Dream stands for a free throw during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA Commissioner Cup Game between Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. 9151 College Park Gateway Center Arena GA United States Copyright: xIMAGO/AndrewxJ.xClark/ISIxPhotosx imago images 0858510955
Connecticut Sun v Atlanta Dream Connecticut Sun v Atlanta Dream COLLEGE PARK, GA - JUNE 2: Madina Okot 11 of the Atlanta Dream stands for a free throw during a WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA Commissioner Cup Game between Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. 9151 College Park Gateway Center Arena GA United States Copyright: xIMAGO/AndrewxJ.xClark/ISIxPhotosx imago images 0858510955
As Ruto watched from the sidelines, Okot and Dream secured an 83-65 win over the Liberty. The emerging talent played three minutes, racking up two points and two rebounds.
After the match, Ruto and Okot hugged on the court, as shown in the Atlanta Dream’s X post. They shared smiles and a few words in Swahili after the game.
“I got to talk some Swahili today,” said a smiling Okot. “So happy I spoke Swahili to my president and the first lady.”
Ruto’s wife Rachel was with him, supporting the Dream throughout. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, as well as members of NBA Africa, were present alongside the president.
It was a crucial win for Atlanta as they secured home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Playoff seeding secured
Winning the last game of the regular season was huge for Atlanta. They finished off their season strongly, extending their winning streak to five.
“I think these last two games, really, this last stretch has really been about us and not necessarily our opponent,” Dream forward Naz Hillmon explained, as reported by Peachtree Hoops' Micahya Costen. “We know that we’re looking forward to playoffs, and we want to be playing our best basketball.
Atlanta locked in No. 4 seed, securing home-court advantage for playoffs with the 83-65 win.
Now, with the playoffs approaching, Dream will look to keep the momentum going. Winning the WNBA title for the first time will be their No. 1 priority.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar