Immanuel Munyeki will no longer face detention alongside the suspects being investigated over the killing of 86-year-old Doritsla Lasinder Macharia after Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga ordered his release.
Munyeki was among four people arrested following the death of Macharia, the grandmother of actress and former television presenter Regina Re, at her Loresho home in Nairobi on October 31, 2026.
The DPP’s decision followed a review of the evidence gathered by investigators, which Ingonga found insufficient to establish a link between Munyeki and the murder.
Munyeki is reportedly in a relationship with the deceased’s granddaughter.
Three Others Still in the Spotlight
While Munyeki has been cleared for release, investigations will continue against three other individuals: Regina Wambui Macharia Gitao, popularly known as Regina Re, Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao and Alton Jimmy Macharia.
The prosecution wants more time to establish what happened before and during the elderly woman’s death, asking the court to allow detectives an additional 10 days to complete their inquiries.
The request would allow investigators to pursue outstanding leads before making further decisions on the case.
Defence Challenges Continued Detention
The application for more detention time was challenged by lawyer David Oyatta, who questioned the need to keep the suspects in custody while investigations continue.
Oyatta drew particular attention to Thandie, a granddaughter of the deceased, telling the court that she is a student preparing for examinations.
He opposed extending her detention, raising concerns about the impact of keeping her in custody during the examination period.
The court is now expected to decide whether the three remaining suspects should be held for the additional period requested by the prosecution.
Munyeki’s release does not bring the investigation to a close, as detectives continue examining the circumstances surrounding Macharia’s death and the possible involvement of the other suspects. None of the three has been convicted of an offence in connection with the killing.
