The development came on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when the suspects appeared in court following the expiry of an earlier 10-day detention order granted on November 2.
The prosecution had sought a further 10 days to complete investigations. However, the court granted investigators only two additional days, following arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence.
Those who will remain in custody are Regina, her daughter Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao and Alton Jimmy Macharia, who is also a member of the family.
Another suspect, Immanuel Munyeki, was released after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reportedly directed that he be freed following a review of the available evidence. Investigators had not established sufficient grounds to continue holding him in connection with the case.
The murder investigation follows the death of Dorita, whose body was discovered inside her home in Loresho, Nairobi, on October 30, 2026. The elderly woman was reportedly found with serious injuries, prompting detectives to launch investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.
A postmortem examination conducted on November 3 established that she died from severe blood loss caused by multiple stab wounds to the neck. Government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia said the injuries had damaged blood vessels, resulting in excessive bleeding. The examination also revealed other sharp-force injuries on different parts of her body.
According to information presented in court during the earlier proceedings, investigators were examining an alleged disagreement between Dorita and her granddaughter, Thandie, shortly before the elderly woman's death.
The investigating officer, Police Constable David Njoroge, told the court that Dorita had allegedly confronted her granddaughter after finding her in a compromising situation with her boyfriend. She reportedly ordered the granddaughter and other visitors to leave the house.
Investigators further alleged that Thandie initially left but later returned and remained inside the house with her grandmother for approximately an hour. She reportedly emerged later shouting for help after discovering that Dorita was bleeding.
These accounts remain part of the prosecution's investigation and have not been established as proven facts in court.
The defence had previously opposed prolonged detention, arguing that some of the suspects had cooperated with investigators, recorded statements and surrendered their mobile phones.
The additional two days will give detectives more time to pursue outstanding inquiries before taking further directions from the DPP.
The case has attracted considerable public attention because of the involvement of a well-known former television presenter and the circumstances surrounding the death of an elderly woman in her family home.
However, the suspects have not been convicted of murder or any other offence. They remain entitled to the presumption of innocence as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
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