Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has lost her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi, announced the death, saying Ameir died at 8am local time at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar after suffering from a heart condition.

Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar, according to the Vice-President.

Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events.

He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia became President in March 2021.

The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children, three sons and a daughter.

Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to Samia and her family, describing Ameir as a lifelong companion to the Tanzanian President.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also conveyed condolences to Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.