Man with the ‘world’s largest family’, buried in rare ceremony

MANYARA, Simanjiro: A rare burial ceremony was held on Sunday in Naisinyai village, Simanjiro District, Manyara Region where relatives, villagers and political leaders attended to bury a 93-year-old man who might have the ‘world’s largest’ family title.

Maliake Laizer, whose total number of wives was 5, has left a total of 307 members that includes 41 children, 219 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

District Commissioner Dr. Suleiman Serere led hundreds of mourners who had turned up to send-off Mzee Laizer.

According to the family, the Laizer died peacefully shortly after being rushed to a dispensary after feeling unwell. It was immediately hosting a family meal. His son, Pastor Joshua Maliake said his father had four wives but remarried to a fifth wife after the death of one of his wives to maintain the number to four.

“ We plan to hold a meeting tomorrow (Monday) after the burial. We are a lot and it’s unfortunate that we do not know each other,” said Pastor Joshua.

Simanjiro Member of Parliament (CCM) Christopher Ole Sendeka said the deceased is one of the founders of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi and described him as a man who worshiped justice.