Kenyan detectives are investigating claims of evidence tampering in the murder of 86-year-old Dorita Macharia, mother of actress Regina Re. According to investigators, Regina Re, her son Alton Jimmy Macharia, and her granddaughter Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, attempted to interfere with evidence at the scene. The allegations include claims of blood being wiped from the house, clothing allegedly hidden, and items suspected to have been washed to remove possible evidence.
Dorita Macharia was found with multiple injuries at her Loresho Ridge home on October 30, two days after celebrating her 86th birthday. A postmortem examination revealed that she died from excessive bleeding following multiple stab wounds to the neck. The investigation has led to the arrest of Regina Re, her son Jimmy, granddaughter Thandie, and Immanuel Walgwe Munyeki, who are being held at Gigiri Police Station.
According to court documents, the events leading to the killing began when Dorita allegedly found Thandie with her boyfriend, Munyeki, in a compromising situation inside her bedroom. This sparked a confrontation, during which Dorita ordered Thandie to leave the house and surrender the room keys. She also asked other friends who were allegedly at the premises to leave before contacting her son Jimmy for assistance in evicting Thandie.
Police Constable David Njoroge told the court that Thandie initially left but later returned and spent approximately an hour with her grandmother. The fatal attack is believed to have occurred during this period. Dorita was later discovered lying in a pool of blood with a deep wound on the left side of her neck. Neighbours and friends have recounted the distressing moments surrounding the discovery of the elderly woman's body.
Detectives are investigating claims that Regina and Jimmy attempted to clean blood from the floor and their mother's body when officers and other first responders arrived at the house. They are also examining reports that Dorita's body appeared to have been washed despite the extensive injuries established during the postmortem examination. Three knives were recovered from the kitchen and reportedly appeared to have been washed.
A blood-stained towel was also found near the dobie sink outside the kitchen. Hidden clothes could provide crucial evidence as detectives are investigating allegations that Thandie changed her clothes after the incident. Regina Re allegedly directed investigators to where she had hidden the garments. The clothes are expected to undergo forensic examination to establish whether they contain evidence linked to the incident.
The Government pathologist, Dr Bernard Midia, conducted the postmortem examination at Lee Funeral Home on November 3 and found that the injuries had damaged blood vessels, resulting in severe external bleeding. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives seeking to establish what led to Dorita's death. Regina Re, whose real name is Regina Wambui Macharia Gitao, hosted the popular TV programme 'Who's Smarter Now'.
Key points
- Dorita Macharia's murder investigation uncovers alleged evidence tampering by family members.
- Postmortem examination reveals multiple stab wounds caused severe external bleeding.
- Four suspects, including Regina Re, are being held at Gigiri Police Station.
