BY AGENCY: The inquest into the death of Rex Masai resumed today, with his friend taking the stand and walking the court through the painful final moments they shared.

George Ndikas recalled how ordinary the day had begun.

He had just left work and was heading home when he found Rex cleaning. 

Later, the two made their way from High Rise to town, joining other young people who had gathered to protest against the Finance Bill.

According to him, they did not push to the front. Instead, they stayed at the back, watching.

George told the court that Rex was simply observing, occasionally taking videos on his phone. They were not causing trouble.

However, things changed when police moved in and began dispersing the crowd with teargas.

He said people started running in all directions, and within moments, protesters and police were facing each other, and then he heard gunshots.

George paused as he remembered what Rex told him just before everything fell apart.

Rex had asked him what they would do if they got separated. He told him not to worry that he would go home, and Rex should do the same.

“Rex aliniuliza tukipoteleana tutapatana aje, nikamwambia Mimi nitamfuata nyuma yeye akimbie,” he said

But seconds later, he saw him limping.

He rushed towards him and asked what was wrong. Rex told him he thought he had been shot. Even then, he tried to move, trying to get away from the chaos, but it became harder with each step.

George described how his friend grew weaker, struggling to stand. He tried to encourage him, even suggested they find a way to get to hospital, but fear and confusion made it difficult.

At one point, Rex showed him the wound on his leg. There was a lot of blood.

“I  saw him limping infront of me, I came close and asked him nini mbaya? Rex told me nikama ameshutiwa,”court heard 

A stranger stepped in to help after George explained what had happened. Together, they tried to look for help, even turning to the police. More people joined, and they carried Rex to a nearby hospital.

When they got there, the gate was closed.

George told the court they didn’t know what else to do. Time was running out. In desperation, they forced their way in, hoping it wasn’t too late.

When a doctor finally saw him, Rex was already gone.

George said he had already called Rex’s family and friends before police arrived and said they would arrange to take the body to the morgue.

It was his testimony that he saw different officers on the streets some in uniform, others in plain clothes armed.

Note to the reader: The story is courtesy of AFP News Agency