Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga, a Tanzanian man, built a large family empire by marrying 20 women and currently living with 16 wives, including seven sisters, in Njombe. His family includes 104 children and 144 grandchildren. Inspired by his father’s desire for a larger clan, Kapinga began his journey in 1961. He practices self-sufficiency through farming, growing staples like corn and beans, while his wives help maintain harmony through open communication and conflict resolution. Despite losing over 40 children, Kapinga finds fulfillment in his bustling household, although he sometimes struggles to remember all their names.
A man from Tanzania has established an expansive family dynasty, marrying 20 women and currently residing with 16 wives, including seven sisters. His extensive family comprises 104 children and 144 grandchildren, all living in a small village in Njombe, Tanzania. As reported by Pulse Africa, four of Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga’s spouses have passed away. His homestead resembles a lively community, featuring separate houses for each wife and numerous family members engaged in various daily tasks.
Kapinga’s life story began with a plea from his father, who urged him to expand their small clan. His father was worried about the limited size of the clan, which resonated with Kapinga. He was determined to honor his father’s legacy and make a lasting impact.
In 1961, during a period when many African nations were striving for independence, Kapinga embarked on his own journey in Njombe, Tanzania. The birth of his first child in 1962 marked the inception of a vast family empire that would flourish over the years.
“I was a young man at that time. I had just married my first wife in 1961, and my first child came along in 1962. But my father advised me that one wife was insufficient. He provided the dowry for five of my wives—his wish was for our family name to thrive. I took it from there,” he shared in a recent interview with Afrimax.
To sustain his large family, Kapinga embraces self-sufficiency. The entire family works together to grow their crops and raise livestock, ensuring their food requirements are met. Their farm yields a variety of staples, including corn, beans, cassava, and bananas. Any excess produce is traded or sold for other necessary items.
“Many believe that I run everything. However, the reality is that the women are the backbone of this family; my role is merely to guide them,” he emphasized.
His wives credit the tranquility in their household to transparent communication and a shared commitment to resolving conflicts. They focus on discussing issues openly and addressing grievances before they escalate. When challenges arise, the wives first try to work things out among themselves. If needed, they turn to Kapinga for advice, who listens without bias and offers guidance without taking sides.
Kapinga acknowledges that recalling all of his children’s and grandchildren’s names can be a challenge. While he can remember about 50 names, he often depends on visual recognition, knowing them by face rather than by name. Unfortunately, he has lost over 40 children, some to illnesses and others to accidents. Despite enduring such profound losses, he finds happiness and fulfillment in the company of his large family.