A Nairobi court has granted detectives 10 days to investigate the murder of 86-year-old Dorita Lasinder Macharia, who was found dead in her home at Loresho Ridge Estate on October 30. Regina Wambui Gitau, popularly known as Regina Re, and three relatives were detained on November 2, 2026, at the High Court at Kibera Law Courts. The four suspects, including Regina Re, Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, Immanuel Walgwe Munyeki, and Alton Jimmy Macharia, are being investigated for murder under sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code.
According to investigating officer Police Constable David Njoroge, Dorita Lasinder Macharia was found with a deep cut on the left side of her neck. Preliminary inquiries indicated that the deceased had argued with her granddaughter, Thandie, after allegedly finding her with her boyfriend, Alton, in the granddaughter’s bedroom. The elderly woman had ordered Thandie to leave and hand over the room keys and asked several friends who were reportedly at the house to leave.
The dispute between the deceased and Thandie seemed to have escalated, with the deceased later calling her son, Jimmy, for help in evicting Thandie. Although Thandie initially left, she allegedly returned and remained in the house with her grandmother for about an hour. Njoroge told the court that the deceased was later found in a pool of blood. Thandie then ran outside, shouting, “She is bleeding!” to friends waiting outside.
The four suspects were arrested at about 2am on October 31 and taken to Gigiri Police Station. Detectives said they needed more time to review estate CCTV footage, conduct forensic examinations, collect fingerprints and mobile phone call records, and record statements from key witnesses. They also plan to arrange a postmortem examination and submit the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for directions.
The investigating officer said the suspects had indicated they might provide information leading to the arrest of other alleged accomplices who remain at large. Police argued that releasing them before the investigations were complete could hinder inquiries into the killing. The court granted the detectives 10 days to continue their investigations, despite their initial request for 15 days at Gigiri Police Station.
Regina Re and her relatives have not been convicted and are currently being held at Gigiri Police Station. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is handling the case, with Police Constable David Njoroge leading the investigation. The suspects are cooperating with the investigation, according to the police.
The murder probe is ongoing, with detectives working to piece together the events surrounding Dorita Lasinder Macharia's death. The case has raised concerns about family disputes and violence, with authorities urging calm and caution. The investigation is expected to be completed within the next 10 days, after which the file will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action.
Key points
- Regina Re and three relatives were detained for 10 days to investigate the murder of her 86-year-old mother in Loresho.
- The deceased had argued with her granddaughter, Thandie, before her murder, allegedly over Thandie's relationship with her boyfriend, Alton.
- Detectives need more time to review evidence, including estate CCTV footage and mobile phone call records, to complete their investigation.
