In a remote village in Tanzania, one man’s extraordinary family has captured the attention of many. Guided by his father’s advice, he has built an unprecedented family structure, marrying 20 women and fathering 104 children. His life, now filled with a large and growing household, has turned into a spectacle of family dynamics that few can comprehend. Living with 16 of his wives, some of whom are sisters, and surrounded by dozens of children and grandchildren, his story offers a glimpse into a unique and unconventional way of life. As his family continues to expand, the man’s decisions are leaving a lasting impact on his community.
In the center of a small Tanzanian village, Mzee Ernesto Muinuchi Kapinga’s life is a spectacle of family, growth, and tradition. Married to 20 women and currently residing with 16 of them, seven of whom are sisters, Kapinga’s homestead is nothing short of a thriving village. With each wife having her own house and a horde of children and grandchildren handling day-to-day chores, his life is a stunning demonstration of a visionary legacy.
It all started this non-traditional family set-up in 1961 when Kapinga wedded his first wife. But it was at the request of his father that he embarked on this unique journey. “Our clan is small, I want you to increase it,” Kapinga’s father instructed him, encouraging him to marry more wives and increase the size of his family. The encouragement of his father resulted in dowries paid for his first five wives, and so started Kapinga’s life of marriage, kids, and continually growing family. Today, Kapinga is the proud father of 104 children and 144 grandchildren, a living proof of his father’s dream.
