Robert Kathata, a 36-year-old former primary school teacher from Kaurine village, Igembe Central, Meru County, has gained attention for his large family. He has married 17 wives and has 31 children with them.
Kathata, who has been nicknamed 'Rambo' by his neighbors due to his fast-expanding homestead, aims to surpass his father's record of having 69 wives. His father, Ayub Kathata M'Munoru, was a renowned herbalist who died at the age of 115.
A Family Legacy ¶
Kathata is the 37th child of his father's 144 children. He has taken after his father in both his herbalism practice and his polygamous lifestyle. However, unlike his father, Kathata has also ventured into politics, serving as the Cord Meru branch chairman.
According to the original account from Mediamax Network Limited, Kathata's homestead is like a small village, comprising about 20 identical permanent houses, each occupied by one of his wives and her children.
Polygamy and Family Life ¶
Kathata's wives include women from various backgrounds, including Rose Nyaguthi, the daughter of a former minister in President Mwai Kibaki's government. She is considered the 'First Wife' and is in charge of the family businesses in Nyeri, Nyahururu, Nakuru, and Nairobi.
Kathata claims to love all his wives equally and ensures each of them is busy by opening businesses for them. He follows a written timetable that indicates where he spends the night on each day, visiting each house twice a month on average.
A Unique Lifestyle ¶
Kathata's lifestyle is demanding, but he believes his herbal medicine and healthy eating habits enable him to meet the needs of his large family. His first wife, Jerusha, initially struggled with the idea of sharing her husband with other women but has since accepted his choice to become a polygamist.
