Imagine a home so big it could have its own postal code, where family meetings look like town hall gatherings, and remembering everyone’s name is a daily challenge. In Njombe, Tanzania, 86-year-old Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga isn’t just a husband or a dad—he’s the leader of a small empire.
With 16 wives, 104 children, and 144 grandchildren, his homestead is less of a household and more of a bustling community where everyone has a role to play—except Kapinga, who jokes that he’s just there to supervise.
His journey into marriage began in 1961 with his first wife, but his father had bigger plans. Encouraging him to expand the family tree (or perhaps turn it into a forest), his father even offered to cover the dowries for additional wives.
Taking the advice seriously, Kapinga married a total of 20 women at his peak. Though some wives left or passed away, he still shares his life with 16, including seven sisters who married him after hearing about his responsible nature—apparently, good husbands run in short supply!
Despite what many might assume, there’s no drama in the household. Each wife has her own home and kitchen, ensuring peace and efficiency. “This is not just a home; it’s a system,” Kapinga explains, probably like a CEO managing a very lively corporation. Meals are shared, conflicts are resolved through open discussions, and family life runs smoother than one might expect.
His wives describe him as fair and understanding, someone who listens rather than dictates—perhaps out of necessity, since arguing with 16 wives at once is a battle even the bravest wouldn’t take on.
Providing for a family this massive is no easy feat, but Kapinga’s homestead is entirely self-sufficient. They farm their own crops, raise livestock, and trade any surplus, ensuring food is always on the table—even if dinner feels like catering a wedding every night.
With so many children and grandchildren, Kapinga admits that names sometimes escape him. But when he sees their faces, he remembers—most of the time. Sadly, he has lost 40 children over the years, but he remains focused on the well-being of the rest. “This family runs because of the women,” he says. “I just make sure I don’t get in their way.”