Regina Re Case Sees New Developments as DPP Orders Further Investigations

The case involving Kenyan actress and former television host Regina Wambui Gitau, popularly known as Regina Re, has taken a new turn. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has ordered police to conduct further investigations into Regina Re, alongside two relatives, over the fatal stabbing of her 86-year-old mother, Dorita Lasinder Macharia. This development comes after an initial 10-day detention order at Gigiri Police Station.

Regina Re, her brother Alton Jimmy Macharia, and her daughter Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao appeared before the Kibera Law Courts on Thursday, November 12, 2026. State prosecutors initially requested an additional 10 days to wrap up inquiries. However, defense lawyer David Oyatta strongly opposed this move, arguing that Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, the deceased's granddaughter, is a student awaiting her upcoming examinations.

After hearing both sides, the court granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) two more working days to finalize the probe. As a result, Regina Wambui Macharia Gitao (Regina Re), her brother Alton Jimmy Macharia, and her daughter Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao all remain in police custody as detectives complete their investigation. The court scheduled the matter for mention on November 17, 2026, when prosecutors will update the court on the completed investigations.

The investigation centers on events that unfolded on the night of October 30, 2026, at Macharia's residence in Nairobi's Loresho Ridge Estate. According to investigators, Dorita confronted her granddaughter, Thandie, after finding her in a bedroom with her boyfriend, Immanuel Munyeki. Dorita ordered Thandie to leave the house and telephoned her son, Alton (also referred to in court records as Antony) Jimmy Macharia, for assistance.

An autopsy performed at Lee Funeral Home by a team of three pathologists, led by government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia, determined that the 86-year-old died from excessive bleeding. The post-mortem examination uncovered severe injuries, including more than 20 sharp-force wounds to her neck and face, defensive cuts on her hands, blunt-force trauma to the back of her head, and a broken left arm.

When Gigiri DCI detectives processed the crime scene, they recovered a bloodstained towel alongside three washed knives. Investigators are actively probing allegations that family members attempted to wipe away blood and tamper with physical evidence before alerting the police. Meanwhile, Thandie's boyfriend, Immanuel Munyeki, who detectives initially arrested as a fourth suspect, walked free after DPP Renson Ingonga ordered his release due to a lack of evidence connecting him to the killing.

The case has garnered significant attention, with many Kenyans following the developments. The DPP's decision to order further investigations indicates that the authorities are taking a thorough approach to the case. Key points in the case include the fatal stabbing of Dorita Lasinder Macharia, allegations of evidence tampering, and the detention of Regina Re and two relatives.

Key points

• Regina Re and two relatives remain in police custody as detectives complete their investigation.
• The court granted the DCI two more working days to finalize the probe.
• Immanuel Munyeki, Thandie's boyfriend, was released due to a lack of evidence connecting him to the killing.