WINDHOEK -- Namibian President Hage Geingob on Sunday announced the death of his former vice president, Nickey Iyambo.

Iyambo was about to turn 83 years old and resigned in 2018 due to ill health. He died on early Sunday morning.

"I announce with sadness the passing of my comrade, former Vice President, Nickey Iyambo. He leaves behind a rich legacy of loyal service to the Namibian people," Geingob said in a statement.

Iyambo was one of the longest serving cabinet ministers in the country's cabinet and was viewed as a gentle giant of Namibian politics.