Who Is Regina Re? Former Who’s Smarter Now? Presenter Held Over Mother’s Death

Regina Re is a familiar name to many Kenyans of a certain generation who grew up watching the television quiz show Who’s Smarter Now?, where she became a household face between 1999 and 2006.

Known for her confident presentation style and trademark farewell, “toodles”, Regina built a career in television before branching out into acting, image consultancy and performance coaching.

The former presenter is now back in the spotlight following the death of her 86-year-old mother, Dorita Lasinder Macharia, at her home in Loresho, Nairobi, and a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Regina is among four people being held as detectives pursue investigations into the death.

Regina Re’s television career

Regina, whose full name has been reported as Regina Wambui Gitau, rose to prominence as the presenter of Who’s Smarter Now?, a television quiz show that challenged contestants on general knowledge.

The programme ran for seven years, from 1999 to 2006, making her a recognisable personality in Kenyan households.

Her lively presentation style and signature sign-off, “toodles”, became closely associated with her television career.

After leaving the quiz show, Regina explored opportunities beyond television presenting, developing an interest in image consultancy and performance coaching.

Drawing on her background in psychology and mass communication, she ventured into areas such as personal branding, public speaking, etiquette and helping individuals improve their professional presentation.

Her journey into acting

Regina also ventured into acting, appearing in several local television and film productions.

Among the productions associated with her career is Makutano Junction, where she portrayed Hope Baraka.

She also featured in Pieces of Us, A Better Life and The Inside Story.

In 2023, she appeared in the Showmax Christmas film A Merry X-Mess, playing the character Zawadi Nyati.

Her career has therefore extended across several fields, including television presenting, acting, image consultancy and performance coaching.

Why Regina Re is being held by police

Regina is among four people being held by police as detectives investigate the death of her mother, Dorita Lasinder Macharia, who was found dead at her Loresho home on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The 86-year-old reportedly had a deep cut on her neck, with investigators seeking to establish what led to her death.

During court proceedings on Monday, November 2, detectives presented preliminary findings indicating that a disagreement had allegedly occurred between Dorita and her granddaughter, Thandie Malaika Wanjiku Gitao, before the incident.

The court also heard police allegations that Regina and her brother, Antony Jimmy Macharia, were found at the home apparently attempting to clean the room where their mother had been killed.

The other two individuals being held are Thandie and her boyfriend, Immanuel Waigwe Munyeki.

Police requested more time to complete investigations, including collecting CCTV footage, recording witness statements and gathering forensic evidence.

The court granted detectives 10 days to detain the four as investigations continue. The matter is scheduled for mention on November 12, 2026.