Eritrean Natabay Tinsiew died peacefully on Monday at the age of 127 in his home town of Azefa 

The current record holder for the oldest person who ever lived belongs to a French woman by the name of Jeanne Calment.

She was born 21 February 1875  and died on 4 August 1997. She was  122 years, 164 days

Now reports coming out of Eretria suggest that Natabay Tinsiew could be the world oldest person knocking Jeanne Calment off the number 1 spot. Mr Tinsiew passed away in his sleep at his home town of Azefa on Monday, his family said, and they hoped he will earn a place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to have ever lived.

Natabay Tinsiew’s family, represented by his Grandson  told the told BBC Tigrinya that Patience, generosity and a joyful life were the secrets to his longevity.

Mr Natabay got married to his wife in 1934 and she died in 2019 at the age of 99. He worked as a herdsman, and owned cattle, goats, honey bees and during his life has seen give generations of his family grow up.

The proof of age comes from birth certificate and other church documents obtained by the family that showed that Natabay Tinsiew was born in 1894 and baptised the same year. If this documents are valid this would mean Mr Tinsiew was indeed 127 years old when he passed away

Additionally, Mr Natabay’s family also suggested that 1884 was the actual birth year of Natabay Tinsiew, but his baptism took place 10 years later, when a priest came around to their village. The reason being was that there were not many priests at the time, and people had to wait for them to visit their villagers.

A priest by the name of Father Mentay, who served in Azefa for seven years, confirmed that local records show Mr Natabay was born in 1894, saying that he was present when Azefa village celebrated his 120th birthday in 2014.

The Guinness World Records has been contacted by Mr Zere, the grandson of Mr Natabay Tinsiew to validate the official documents of his grandfather’s birth, and was waiting for a response.