Editor's Review

President William Ruto attended the WNBA game between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream in Brooklyn to support Kenyan-born basketball star, Madina Okot.

President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 23, attended the WNBA game between the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream in Brooklyn to support Kenyan-born basketball star Madina Okot.

Ruto was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto and other government officials as they watched the game from the sidelines. 

The president and Mama Rachel later shared a light moment with Okot, with videos shared online showing them hugging and laughing together.

File image of Mama Rachel Ruto, Madina Okot and President William Ruto

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Ruto said he attended the game to show his support for the Kenyan-born player as she competed for Atlanta Dream.

"Attended the WNBA match between New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream in Brooklyn to support Kenyan-born star Madina Okot," he wrote.

File image of Mama Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto sharing a light moment with Madina Okot

The Atlanta Dream also acknowledged Ruto’s presence at the game, highlighting his support for Okot and her Kenyan roots.

"From Kenya to the world. Kenya’s fifth and current president, William Ruto, stopped by our final regular season game to show support for our favorite Kenyan, Madina Okot," the team said.

File image of Madina Okot in action

On the court, Atlanta defeated New York 83-65 on Wednesday night to clinch the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the WNBA playoffs.

Atlanta improved to 30-14 with its fifth consecutive victory after dominating the second quarter.

The Dream held New York to seven points in the period, a season-low for Atlanta’s defense, and went into halftime with a 41-26 lead.

File image of Mama Rachel Ruto and President William Ruto watching the game from the sidelines

The Dream also forced 15 first-half turnovers and had a 13-0 advantage in points off turnovers by halftime.

Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 24 points after shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range. She also recorded five assists and three steals. Naz Hillmon added 16 points, while Jordin Canada finished with 12.

The Liberty, who fell to 26-18, were without MVP candidate Breanna Stewart, who was ruled out because of left knee soreness that emerged after Monday’s loss. 

New York struggled offensively in her absence, shooting 36.4 percent overall and 17.2 percent from three-point range.

Atlanta also lost Angel Reese for the second half after she was hit in the face by Sabrina Ionescu on a flagrant foul shortly before halftime. 

File image of Madina Okot in action

Reese finished with six points and six rebounds in 17 minutes. Coach Karl Smesko said she had been cleared but was kept out as a precaution.

New York center Jonquel Jones also left the game in the third quarter with a left ankle injury after appearing to step on a fan’s foot. She had led the Liberty with 10 points and 14 rebounds before exiting.

Atlanta will host either Indiana or Washington in the first round of the playoffs beginning Sunday, while the Liberty enter the postseason as the No. 8 seed and will face Minnesota Lynx.