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.<\/p>\n
Saulos Chilima, 51, was considered a breath of fresh air in Malawian politics.<\/p>\n
He was an eloquent public speaker and energetic campaigner who held huge sway among the youth who account for more than half of Malawians.<\/p>\n
He was a devout Catholic and the service includes a full mass.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His coffin, draped in Malawi’s red, green and black flag, was brought into the stadium by a guard of honour.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Dad was a hard worker who always made sure he got things done,” he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Some of those in the stadium booed government officials, including President Lazarus Chakwera, when they spoke.<\/p>\n
Calm was only restored after the intervention of Catholic priests.<\/p>\n