Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga, a man from a small village in Tanzania, has a truly massive family. He is married to 16 women, has 104 children, and 144 grandchildren.
These days, many people find it challenging to raise even a few children, but Kapinga has dedicated his life to growing his family. His homestead looks like a small village, with a house for each of his wives and children running around everywhere.
In an interview with Afrimax, Kapinga shared that his father encouraged him to build a large family. He married his first wife in 1961 and had his first child a year later. However, his father believed one wife was not enough and even paid the dowries for Kapinga’s first five wives. At one point, Kapinga had 20 wives, though some left or passed away. Today, he lives with 16, including seven sisters.
Many wonder why his wives would choose to share a husband, but they say it’s because of his kindness and respect. One wife told her sister about the good life she had with him, and soon, more sisters decided to marry him too. They live peacefully, without jealousy.
“Everyone has a role,” Kapinga explained. “Each wife has her own house and kitchen, and we work together as a team. This is more than a home—it’s a system, and it works.”
With so many people to feed, the family relies on farming and raising livestock. They grow crops like corn, beans, cassava, and bananas, using what they need and selling the rest.
Kapinga insists that his wives are the true leaders of the family. “People think I control everything, but the women keep this family together. I just guide them,” he said.
His wives talk openly about any problems, and if they can’t resolve issues themselves, they bring them to Kapinga for advice. He listens but doesn’t take sides.
Interestingly, Kapinga admits he struggles to remember all his children’s names—he can recall about 50 off the top of his head but recognizes the rest when he sees their faces.
Despite losing 40 children over the years due to illness and accidents, Kapinga remains focused on taking care of his many children and grandchildren.
Watch the video below:
