Tanzanian Man Builds a Large Family with 16 Wives
TANZANIAN PATRIARCH – In a small village in Njombe, Tanzania, 86-year-old Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga leads a family that functions like a close-knit community. He has 16 wives, 104 children, and 144 grandchildren.
Mzee married his first wife in 1961, and they welcomed their first child a year later. His father encouraged him to take multiple wives, even offering to pay dowries to expand their family. Mzee eventually agreed, and at the peak of his youth, he had 20 wives. Over time, some passed away, leaving him with 16 spouses today—seven of whom are sisters. These women chose to marry Mzee because of his reputation as a responsible and respected family leader.
Despite the large number of wives, Mzee insists there is no jealousy among them. Each wife has her own home and kitchen within their village, and every family member has a role in maintaining their household. “This is not just a home; it is a system, and it works,” Mzee said in an interview with The Neutral on February 27, 2025.
The entire family works together in farming, growing corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas, as well as raising livestock. They sell or trade their produce to sustain themselves. Challenges exist, especially in providing for such a large family, but their self-sufficiency helps them survive.
Mzee admits that sometimes he forgets the names of some of his children and grandchildren. Sadly, 40 of his children have passed away due to illness or accidents. Still, he remains active in guiding his family.
His wives describe him as a fair and understanding husband who listens to their concerns and opinions rather than dictating their actions. If conflicts arise, the wives resolve issues among themselves or seek his advice. Despite his age, Mzee is grateful for the harmony within his household, stating, “This family runs because of the women. I am only here to guide them.”