Detectives have been granted 10 days to hold former television presenter Regina Wambui Gitau, popularly known as Regina Re, and three relatives as they investigate the death of her 86-year-old mother, Dorita Lasinder Macharia.
The suspects were presented before a magistrate, where investigators asked for more time to carry out forensic examinations, analyse evidence and record witness statements.
Also in custody are Regina’s brother, Antony Jimmy Macharia, her niece, Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, and the niece’s boyfriend, Immanuel Waigwe Munyeki. All four were arrested on November 1.
Dorita’s body was found on the evening of Friday, October 30, at the family’s home in Loresho Ridge Estate.
She had a deep cut on the left side of her neck. The family’s lawyer, Philip Murgor, reportedly said the injuries and the amount of blood at the scene did not point to natural causes.
Police told the court the incident followed a domestic confrontation. According to their account, Dorita found her granddaughter with a boyfriend in her bedroom, ordered them out and called her son for help.
Detectives further claimed that Regina and her brother later cleaned the room in an attempt to tamper with evidence. The allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Regina rose to fame as co-creator and host of the game show “Who’s Smarter Now,” which aired on KTN from 1999 to 2006. She also acted in the drama series Makutano Junction and the film The Inside Story.
Trained in mass communication, counselling psychology and mediation, she launched P.E.P.P. Talk in 2015, a programme focused on public speaking, etiquette and personal branding.
She later extended her training work through The Royal Athena Academy, an online platform for personal growth, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Karen.