The inquest into the death of Rex Masai resumed with emotional testimony from his close friend George Ndikas, who took the stand and shared a detailed account of the final moments they spent together.
Speaking calmly but with visible pain, George walked the court through how a normal day quickly turned into a tragic memory that he says still weighs heavily on him.
George explained that the day had started like any other. He had just finished work and was heading home when he came across Rex, who was busy cleaning.
There was nothing unusual at the time, and the two later decided to head into town together from High Rise. Their plan was simple.
They joined other young people who had gathered to protest against the Finance Bill, but according to George, they did not go there to cause trouble.
He told the court that they stayed at the back of the crowd, mostly watching what was happening. Rex, he said, was just observing and at times taking videos on his phone. They kept their distance and did not engage in any confrontation.
However, the situation changed suddenly when police officers moved in to disperse the crowd using teargas. George described how panic spread quickly, with people running in different directions. Within a short time, protesters and police were facing off, and then gunshots were heard.
Before things escalated, George recalled a brief conversation that now feels significant. Rex had asked him what they would do if they got separated. George responded by trying to reassure him.
“Rex aliniuliza tukipoteleana tutapatana aje, nikamwambia Mimi nitamfuata nyuma yeye akimbie,” he said
Moments later, everything changed. George saw Rex limping and immediately rushed towards him to find out what was wrong. Rex told him he believed he had been shot. Despite the injury, he tried to keep moving, attempting to get away from the unfolding chaos, but it became clear he was weakening.
George described how difficult it was to watch his friend struggle. He tried to encourage him and suggested they find a way to get to a hospital, but confusion and fear made it hard to act quickly. At one point, Rex showed him the wound on his leg, and George saw the extent of the injury.
“I saw him limping infront of me, I came close and asked him nini mbaya? Rex told me nikama ameshutiwa,” court heard
A stranger later stepped in to assist after George explained what had happened. Together, they searched for help and even approached police officers. More people joined them, and they carried Rex towards a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life.
When they arrived, they found the gate closed. George told the court they were confused and running out of time. With no other option, they forced their way in, hoping to get urgent medical attention.
But when a doctor finally attended to him, it was too late. Rex had already died.
George said he had managed to call Rex’s family and friends before police arrived at the hospital. The officers later informed them that they would arrange for the body to be taken to the morgue. He also told the court that during the chaos, he saw different officers on the streets, some in full uniform and others in plain clothes, all armed.
