Tens of thousands of Malawians are taking part in a funeral service at the national stadium to pay tribute to the Vice President who was killed in a plane crash last week.

Saulos Chilima, 51, was considered a breath of fresh air in Malawian politics.

He was an eloquent public speaker and energetic campaigner who held huge sway among the youth who account for more than half of Malawians.

He was a devout Catholic and the service included a full mass.

He will be buried in his home district of Ntcheu, 180km (112 miles) south of Lilongwe on Monday, which has been declared a public holiday.
The service at the Bingu National Stadium began with moving tributes from his family. The 41,000-capacity stadium is full, with more people outside.

His coffin, draped in Malawi's red, green, and black flag, was brought into the stadium by a guard of honour.

His son, Sean, recalled what a loving father he was, how he always had time for children and played games with them. He added that his father had been extremely competitive and always wanted to win.

"Dad was a hard worker who always made sure he got things done," he said.

His brother, Ben, said the family was grateful to have been given the personal belongings he had on him at the time of the accident, including his watch and rosary.

Some of those in the stadium booed government officials, including President Lazarus Chakwera, when they spoke.

Calm was only restored after the intervention of Catholic priests.

Mr Chilima died last Monday as he travelled in a military aircraft to the northern town of Nkhata Bay where he was to attend the funeral of a former cabinet minister.

The entire crew and other passengers on board, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, also perished.

President Chakwera said the plane had crashed due to poor visibility caused by bad weather but Mr Chilima's UTM party has called for a thorough and independent investigation.