By Andrew Kariuki
The inquest into the death of Rex Masai resumed on Monday, with his friend George Ndikas taking the stand and recounting the events leading up to his final moments.
Ndikas told the court that the day had begun ordinarily, as he had just left work and was heading home when he found Rex cleaning.
Later, the two travelled from High Rise to the Nairobi central business district, where they joined other young people protesting against the Finance Bill.
According to his testimony, they remained at the back of the crowd and were not involved in any confrontation. He said Rex was observing the situation and occasionally recording videos on his phone.
Ndikas stated that the situation escalated when police moved in and began dispersing the crowd using teargas, causing people to run in different directions.
He told the court that protesters and police soon faced off and shortly after, he heard gunshots.
Recalling their last conversation, Ndikas said Rex had asked what they would do if they got separated.
“Rex aliniuliza tukipoteleana tutapatana aje, nikamwambia Mimi nitamfuata nyuma yeye akimbie,” he said.
Moments later, Ndikas noticed Rex limping and rushed to check on him. He testified that Rex told him he believed he had been shot.
“I saw him limping infront of me, I came close and asked him nini mbaya? Rex told me nikama ameshutiwa,” court heard.
Ndikas said Rex attempted to move away from the scene but grew weaker with each step. He described how his friend struggled to stand and eventually showed him a wound on his leg that was bleeding heavily.
With the help of a stranger and other members of the public, they attempted to seek assistance, including approaching police officers, before carrying Rex to a nearby hospital.
However, upon arrival, they found the hospital gate closed. Ndikas told the court that in desperation, they forced their way in as time was running out.
He said that by the time a doctor attended to Rex, he had already died.
Ndikas further testified that he had contacted Rex’s family and friends before police officers arrived at the hospital and indicated that they would arrange for the body to be taken to the morgue.
He also told the court that he observed different police officers at the scene, some in uniform and others in plain clothes, all armed.
The inquest is ongoing.
