Former TV Host Regina Re and Three Relatives Held for 10 Days Over Mother's Murder

A Nairobi court has ordered former television presenter Regina Wambui Gitau and three relatives to be detained for 10 days as detectives investigate the murder of her 86-year-old mother in Loresho.

Principal Magistrate Barbara Akinyi delivered the ruling on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Kibera Law Courts, reducing a 15-day detention request submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The four suspects, Regina Wambui Macharia Gitao, Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, Immanuel Walgwe Munyeki, and Alton Jimmy Macharia, will remain at Gigiri Police Station while inquiries proceed. 

They face investigations under Section 203 of the Penal Code regarding the death of Dorita Lasinder Macharia.

The victim was discovered late on October 30 inside her residence at Loresho Ridge Estate with a deep cut wound on the left side of her neck. Family lawyer Senior Counsel Philip Murgor inspected the home shortly after, telling reporters that the scene appeared unnatural due to the significant amount of blood and visible injuries.

Police Constable David Njoroge informed the court that the killing followed a domestic dispute. According to investigators, the elderly woman allegedly found her granddaughter, Thandie, in a compromising situation with her boyfriend, Alton, inside her bedroom.

The homeowner reportedly ordered the pair and several friends to leave and demanded the room keys. She then called her son, Jimmy, to assist with the eviction.

Although Thandie initially departed, investigators stated she returned and remained inside the house with her grandmother for about an hour. The 86-year-old was subsequently found dead, prompting her granddaughter to run outside and scream to waiting friends that the victim was bleeding.

Detectives arrested the four suspects at approximately 2 a.m. on October 31. During the court proceedings, police alleged that the actress and her brother attempted to tamper with evidence by cleaning the room where the attack occurred.

Investigators argued that continued detention is necessary to retrieve estate CCTV footage, conduct forensic tests, analyse fingerprints and mobile phone call records, and record further witness statements. Police also noted plans to conduct a postmortem examination and pursue other accomplices believed to be at large.

Defence lawyers strongly opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution failed to present compelling reasons for detention. They maintained that their clients had already surrendered their mobile phones and cooperated by recording initial statements.

Regina Re is well known to Kenyan television audiences for her acting roles and hosting work. She famously portrayed Hope Baraka, the first female chief and Member of Parliament, on the long-running drama series Makutano Junction, and co-created and hosted the KTN game show Who's Smarter Now? between 1999 and 2006.