Actress and former TV host Regina Wambui Macharia Gitao, popularly known as Regina Re, will stay in police custody for two more working days. Kibera Law Courts Magistrate Barbara Akinyi made the order on Thursday, The Eastleigh Voice reported. Prosecutors had asked for 10 more days.
Three suspects remain in custody: Regina, her daughter Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao and Alton Jimmy Macharia. They are being investigated over the death of Regina's 86-year-old mother, Dorita Lasinder Macharia. According to the outlet, she was found dead at her Loresho Ridge Estate home in Nairobi on October 31. The three are being held at Gigiri Police Station. They face investigation for murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.
A fourth suspect, Immanuel Munyeki, walked free. He is the boyfriend of the deceased's granddaughter. According to Citizen Digital, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga ordered his release after finding insufficient evidence linking him to the killing. The magistrate granted the prosecution's application for his immediate release, The Eastleigh Voice reported.
Prosecuting counsel Faith Musona told the court that detectives had made significant progress. "The postmortem has been conducted, and eight witnesses have recorded statements," Musona said. Detectives have also analysed CCTV footage from the estate. Prosecutors added that a senior counsel who had represented the family is now a prosecution witness.
Defence lawyer David Oyatta opposed further detention. He argued that Thandie is a student preparing for her examinations. The magistrate ruled that the prosecution had given compelling reasons to keep the three in custody. She also refused to let them attend the burial, scheduled for Tuesday.
Police told the court that the elderly woman allegedly argued with her granddaughter after finding her in a compromising situation with her boyfriend at the family home. She reportedly ordered Thandie to leave and hand over her room keys, then called her son for help. Police said she was later found in a pool of blood with a deep cut on the left side of her neck.
Investigators had initially sought 15 days to hold the four suspects. They said they needed time for forensic tests, fingerprints, phone call records and witness statements. The case will be mentioned on November 17 for further directions.