<blockquote>''This is a [[Freice|Freician]] name. The last name is patronymic, not a family name; this person is referred to by the given name Kaana''</blockquote>
| office = [[Keomoru'lu]]
'''Kaana Tenkel'''{{efn|Kaana's name is spelt with two letter "a's." Outside of Freice, it is common for his name to be spelt with only one "a."}} (born 12 May 1967) is the present [[Maaita of Freice]], being claimant to one-third of the jointly-held hereditary office. Prior to assuming the office, he worked as a civil engineer and transport planner in Freice and Riamo, inheriting the Tuaa share of the Maaita on his father's death in 2001.
| status =
| monarch = [[Monarchy of Riamo|Diana II]]
| term_start = 20 January 2023
| term_end =
|1blankname = [[Representative of the Sovereign in Freice|Representative of the Sovereign]]
|1namedata = Ailu [[Apoka Semeia|Apoka Semeia]]
| predecessor = [[Aniara Neileka]]
| successor =
| succeeding =
| office1 = Leader of [[Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa]]
One of the most eccentric of the island's rulers, Kaana came to international attention in 2022 when he was embroiled in what become known as the "Concrete Mixer Man Case." As Maaita, he has earned a reputation as a compratively hands-on ruler, although maintaining a strictly non-partisan position on political matters.
| term_start1 = 10 March 2023
| term_end1 =
| deputy1 =
| predecessor1 = ''Party created''
| successor1 =
| office2 = Member of the [[General Kiuva]] for<br>Peka
==Biography==
| alongside2 = Mulone Uota
Kaana was the elder son and one of eight children of Tenkel Maairai, who served as Maaita from 1993 to 2003, and the singer Maalelidi Avautima. From a young age, Kaana enjoyed a very close relationship with his mother, who was more understanding of and attentive to his sensibilities than his father. He has since said of his parents that his father "distrusted what he saw as effeminacy" whilst his mother "understood me."
| term_start2 = 23 January 2023
| term_end2 =
| deputy2 =
| predecessor2 = Boni Iasoqe
| successor2 =
| succeeding2 =
| office3 = [[Politics_of_Freice#Local_government|Mayor of Peka]]
Despite his misgivings, he followed his father into the Freice Posse (the local militia), although he served for only eighteen months before withdrawing. With the support of his mother and sister, he travelled across Olivacia, living for a period in Riamo where he studied at Portington University.
Kaana was never initially destined to succeed to the Tuaa share; he was the youngest of five children. In 1978, his father died and his eldest brother Maaife became claimant to the share. On his death in 1980 of cancer, the claim transferred to the next oldest brother Jauivusa, who also died of cancer in 1985. Tauinasa Tenkel was disinherited in 1992 by court order due to mental instability. None of these brothers had legitimate children at the time of their death (the law allowing illegitimate children to inherit only being enacted in 2001). When the childless Seseeisa Tenkel became claimant in 1992, Kaana became second-in-line. On Seseeisa's own death in 2016, Kaana became heir.
| term_start4 = 12 March 2022
| term_end4 = 10 March 2022
| deputy4 =
| predecessor4 = ''Party created''
| successor4 = ''Party dissolved'' <small>(merged to form Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa)</small>
| birth_name = Sakana Aotola Tenqel
==Maaitaship==
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|5|12|df=yes}}
In accordance with the constitution, Kaana became Maaita on 20 January 2023, succeeding Tevee Enneedi. As the sole inheritor of the Tuaa share of the office, he automatically took on the role without prior negotiation with co-inheritors. The Representative Council formally appointed him in a ceremonial vote to a ten year term.
| birth_place = Weia, [[Freice]]
| relations =
| spouse = {{ubl|{{marriage|Ama Selaia|9 May 2023|}}}}
| children =
| party = [[Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa]] <small>(previously [[Future Citizens (Freice)|Future Citizens]])</small>
|criminal_charge = Trespassing<br>Misuse of property
|criminal_penalty = GR$50,000
}}
}}
<blockquote>''This is a [[Freice|Freician]] name. The last name is patronymic, not a family name; this person is referred to by the given name Sakana''</blockquote>
'''Sakana Aotola "Kana" Tenqel''' [[List_of_post-nominal_letters_(Freice)#Legislative_offices|KM]] (born 12 May 1977)<ref name=": Name">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana Tenqel named as Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022</ref><ref name=": Name2">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Registration for candidacy - Tenqel, Kana Sotola"]. ''Kaunio Helito oe Faio'se''. 5 June 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022</ref> is a [[Freicians|Freician]] politicial and public personality, who has served as [[Head of the Government of Freice|Keomoru'lu]] and [[Cabinet of Ministers (Freice)|Minister of External Relations, the Constitution, and Federation]] since 2023. He previously served as [[Politics_of_Freice#Local_government|Mayor of Peka]] from 2022 to 2023. He currently leads [[Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa]], the largest of Freice's two main political parties, a party he co-founded in 2023.
==Early life and education==
As Maaita, Kaana has maintained the non-partisan nature of the office, but adopted a more hands-on approach than his recent predecessors. He personally opened the new session of the Representative Council in November 2023, rather than sending a message to be read by the Council's president as previous Maaita's had done.
Kana was born on 12 May 1977 in Weia to Tenqel Meipa and Valeia Tara.<ref name=": alw">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who am I?"]. ''kana.faiose''. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.</ref> His father, once a contemporary of [[Sema T. Anamia]] was a butcher, a business he owned alongside Kana's mother.<ref name=": 11alw">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: Man of the People?"]. ''Guri Telegraph''. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.</ref>
Despite his humble origins, he went to fee-paying Tespana School from 1982 until 1994.<ref name=": 11alw">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: Man of the People?"]. ''Guri Telegraph''. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.</ref> Upon leaving school, he enrolled at Portington University but dropped out after two months, instead joining [[Radio and Television Freice]] (FLP) as a researcher.<ref name=": 1ae">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Ask Kana: Your Questions Answered"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 15 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.</ref> He remained employed at FLP until 2022, working as a chief researcher, editor, and a radio presenter.
On 22 December 2023, he travelled to [[Pohnpenesia]] for an extended Christmas stay. His wife Makeeia became regent during his absence, the first formally-recognised regent in Freician history.
==Concrete Mixer Man Case==
==Concrete Mixer Man Case==
Kana came to public attention following his arrest on 12 January 2022. Caught with a concrete mixer, poetry books, glue, and three stoats, he was arrested and booked for lewd activity.<ref name=": New4">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer man finds public following"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022</ref> He was reported to have willingly surrendered himself and his possessions to the police.<ref name=": New111">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Riamese Broadcasting Corporation''. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 30 January 2022</ref> It was found that the concrete mixer was stolen from a nearby construction site, whilst the glue and books were believed to have been taken from a nearby school.<ref name=": sseee">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Bizaar Freician case reaches international stage"]. ''HHK''. 20January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022</ref> The stoats were of unknown origin.
Kaana came to international attention following his arrest on 12 January 2022. He was caught with a concrete mixer, poetry books, glue, and three stoats, and was arrested and booked for "lewd activity". He was reported to have willingly surrendered himself and his possessions to the police. It was later determined that the equipment used in the event were stolen, with the concrete mixer likely taken from a construction site he was working at. The stoats were of unknown origin.
On 11 February 2022, the Court of Appeal ruled that the man's name could be disclosed.<ref name=": Name">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana Tenqel named as Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022</ref>
Kaana's name was revealed publicly for the first time following a court ruling on 11 February 2022. He was brought to trial on 21 February 2022 on charges of endangering wildlife and indecent exposure. Charges of trespassing and misuse of property were also pressed, although theft was dropped after a local school, believed to be the owner of the glue and books, dropped charges.
He was brought to trial on 21 February 2022 on charges of endangering wildlife and indecent exposure.<ref name=": w">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete Mixer Man Trial: Defence outlines its case"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022</ref> The charges of trespassing and the misuse of property followed the theft of property from a local school, which dropped charges of theft following the return of the property.<ref name=": w">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete Mixer Man Trial: Defence outlines its case"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022</ref>
In a blog post on his website, written in September 2022, Kaana clarified the details of the event. He claimed that his actions were an "historical inquiry into pre-Christian religions in Freice," with no malice intended. He denied any sexual aspect, saying that he had sought to imitate traditional religious practices.
In a blog post on his website in September 2022, Kana clarified the events that led up to his arrest. He claimed that his actions were an "historical inquiry into pre-Christian religions in Freice," and that there was no malice intended.<ref name=": a1234">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is it with the concrete mixer?"]. ''kana.com''. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022</ref> He denied any sexual aspect, claiming that he sought to imitate traditional religious practices, whilst also denying that he had stolen anything.<ref name=": a1234">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is it with the concrete mixer?"]. ''kana.com''. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2022</ref>
====Response====
The case enjoyed international attention. An [[Anáhuac|Anáhuaca]] politician Francisco Javier Vaquero, when asked about the case, humorously declared that a movie should be made about the unusual criminal. He later added that any movie should win awards for its storyline.
===Response===
The international coverage of the case has led to a number of copycat cases being reported. In [[Kentalis]], broadcaster NRSK reported of two teenages being arrested for stealing a concrete mixer.
====Domestic response====
The Freician government's response has largely been to support the legal process. Justice minister Taqame Natpiau said in a written statement to the Island Meeting that the government will "keep up to date" with the case where necessary, and ensure that the "the law has been followed in determining whether it has been breached."<ref name=": New4">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer man finds public following"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022</ref>
National broadcaster Radio and Television Freice has created a separate link on its website dedicated to the case, which is reported to have upwards of 50,000 hits a week.<ref name=": a2">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer case brings island fame"]. ''Gavrilopolis Times''. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022</ref>
==Personal life==
===Family===
Kaana married [[Makeeia Taaguvigi]] in 2018, having been in a relationship with her since 2003. They have two children, [[Mevarau Kaana|Mevarau]] (born 2010) and Suvea (born 2013). Since a 2001 law allowing the Maaitaship to be inherited by illegitimate children, providing that the births happened within a relationship between the two parents, Mevarau is heir to the Tuaa share.
====International response====
Rumours persist that Kaana and Makeeia's marriage has broken down and that they lead two separate lives. A report in E Tai Seelit claimed that Makeeia is "resentful" for the impact her husband's trial had on her own career.
A [[Anáhuac|Anáhuaca]] politician Francisco Javier Vaquero, when asked about the case, humorously declared that a movie should be made about the unusual criminal. He later added that any movie should win awards for its storyline.<ref name=": a2222">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Vaquero: I want Concrete Mixer Man movie NOW!"]. ''Santa Elisa Live''. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022</ref>
On a [[Hoterallia|Hoterallian]] TV show, a comedy skit entitled "My Girlfriend Is A Concrete Mixer???" has gained a cult following.<ref name=": a2222">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Vaquero: I want Concrete Mixer Man movie NOW!"]. ''Santa Elisa Live''. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022</ref>
===Health===
Since the Concrete Mixer case, several commentators have suggested that Kaana suffers from an undisclosed mental condition. As far back as the death of his second brother in 1985, and specially since the death of his third in 2016, there have been claims that these continued bereavements have affected Kaana, given his close relationships with all his brothers. Tauinasa Tenkel's own mental illness has also raised suggestions of a genetic disposition towards mental imbalance.
When [[Keomoru'lu]] [[Aniara Neileka]] visited [[Anáhuac]] for talks with the Rugidoan president, pranksters greeted her dressed as stoats and possessing concrete mixers.<ref name=": a22w22">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "President hails 'breakthrough' agreement with G.R."]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2022</ref>
Spokespeople for the Maaita have repeatedly sought to dispel rumours of a mental condition, and have accused those making the claim to be "lying or otherwise severely misinformed."
Orajioe Daily reported that one [[Hoterallia|Hoterallian]] man, Konoda Hajimoto, announced that he had "declare[d] war" on the justice system in Freice, due to what he perceived as a "violation of human rights".<ref name=": wssw">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete Mixer Man Trial: Protest outside court"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 25 February 2022</ref> This was also reported in Freice.<ref name=": wsawe">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "I declared war on Freice's Justice System!"]. ''Orajioe Daily''. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022</ref>
==Titles and styles==
[[File:Kana and Kono in 2022.png|thumb|left|250px|Kana with [[Hoterallia Important Individuals Directory#The Latest Edition|Kono Takaida]] in Orajioe, June 2022]]
Between 1992 and 2016, when he was heir to the Tuaa share, Kaana used the courtesy title ''Tuaa Mula'' ("Son of Tuaa").
===Copycats===
The international coverage of the case has led to a number of copycat cases being reported. In [[Kentalis]], broadcaster NRSK reported of two teenages being arrested for stealing a concrete mixer.<ref name=": Kentalis">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Two teenagers arrested in Čelanica for stealing Concrete mixer from Construction site"]. ''NRSK''. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022</ref>
==Early political career==
On 10 March 2022, Kono Takaida, leader of [[Taihago (Hoterallia)|Taihago]], Twatted that he had spoken with Kana, describing him as "intriguing on so many levels" and "one of the greatest men I have ever met."<ref name=": w11pspde">@KonoTakaida (10 March 2022). [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "It might be one of my greatest moment in the week, talking to Kana Tenqel from Freice. He is so intriguing on so many levels, his political ideas and the way he expressed them definitely make him one of the greatest men I have ever met. Seeing him with his supporters really makes me think about my way to run the Taihago back home!"] - via [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Twatter].</ref>
On 12 March 2022, Kana formally registered a new political party called ''Kana's Empowered Citizens'', the first political party to be established since the Court of Appeal ruled that a ban on parties was unconstitutional.<ref name=": 1234">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Mixer Man Kana founds political party"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.</ref> He announced on Twatter the founding of the party as a "mass movement" supporting "real social, economic, political, and constitutional change."<ref name=": w1e">@kana (12 March 2022). [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Empowered Citizens is a mass movement, calling for serious and real social, economic, political, and constitutional change. This is not a joke – Freice seriously needs help to recover from years of neglect, and only the people united can give it that help."] - via [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Twatter].</ref>
Speaking on Radio and Television Freice's radio show ''Tara Pona Faio'se'' (Good Day, Freice), Kana rejected claims that his party was a joke or political satire, arguing that the mass movement organised to support him in his trial convincted him of the need to "use this popular energy for good."<ref name=": 9poo">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: Party 'not a joke'"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 13 March 2022.</ref>
Kana led his party to victory in the June 2022 elections, with the party winning a plurality of the vote in the Kivunna election, winning three mayoralties, and leading three district authority administrations.<ref name=": Elect221">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Election 2022: KTP defies odds, takes first place"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref>
===Mayor of Peka===
In the [[2022_elections_in_Freice#District_mayor_elections|2022 Peka mayoral election]], Kana was elected Mayor of the district with 55.1% of the vote.<ref name=": Elect221">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Election 2022: KTP defies odds, takes first place"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref><ref name=": Elect222">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Aniara takes top job, Kana wins Peka race"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref>
As Mayor, he promoted sustainable development across all areas of policy-making. He oversaw the protection of the Peka Highlands (the parts of the Sete Hills in Peka), the establishment of new rules regarding urban development, and emphasised happiness and access to basic resources as key indicators over GDP.<ref name=": Kana123">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Is Kana destined for a head-on collision with Aniara?"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.</ref> He also petitioned the national government for greater powers to deal with poverty, and has sought to block plans for fracking in the district.<ref name=": Kana123">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Is Kana destined for a head-on collision with Aniara?"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 6 July 2022.</ref>
[[File:Kana Tenqel in January 2023 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Kana announcing ministerial appointments, January 23 2023.]]
==Keomoru'lu (2023-present)==
Kana was elected [[Keomoru'lu]] in the [[2023 Freician general election]], with his party winning 14 seats in the 21 seat assembly.<ref name=": KanaWin1">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana sweeps to office; MURO collapses"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.</ref> He was also elected a Member of the [[General Kiuva]] for [[Districts of Freice|Peka]], succeeding Boni Iasoqe. He was formally sworn in by [[Speaker of the General Kiuva]] [[Kiso Toma]] on 23 January.
On 10 March 2023, Future Citizens merged with the MURO Alliance to form [[Mulo Uahi ma pa Kiuoa]], with Kana serving as leader of the new party.<ref name=": 1234sa">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice: Kana party merges with MURO"]. ''Riamo News''. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023</ref> It also adopted a new logo.
Kana's government became embroiled in the [[The Freician Issue|Freician Issue]], which saw international condemnation of the Riamese government following its condemnation of [[Anáhuac]] and [[Hoterallia]] for sending medical aid to Freice.<ref name=": 1b">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "'The Freician Issue' explained"]. ''Old Republic News''. Retrieved 30 April 2023.</ref> As a result of the ongoing crisis, Kana's, and Freice's, profile was raised, with a significant increase in followers of Twatter profiles for Kana and for Freice government and civic organisations.<ref name=": abc78">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana, Freice sees more Twatter followers as international crisis continues"]. ''Kaldaic Sun''. Retrieved 20 April 2023.</ref>
On 18 April 2023, his government passed the "landmark" [[Public Order (HIV/AIDS) Act 2023|Public Order (HIV/AIDS) Act]], which prohibits discrimination on grounds of having HIV/AIDS.<ref name=":3rdreading1">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "HIV/AIDS discrimination bill passes Kiuva vote"]. ''Mulo'i Puineta''. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.</ref>
==Political views==
Kana's political views, which have been labeled Kananism by the press, are generally characterised as libertarian, although Kana has himself defined his views as "practical libertarianism with a conscious".<ref name=": Kana456">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is Mixer Man Kana Tenqel?"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 2 June 2022.</ref> He supports strong civil liberties, including same-sex marriage, abortion rights, drug legalisation, free movement, and the decriminalisation of sex work.<ref name=": Kana456">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is Mixer Man Kana Tenqel?"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 2 June 2022.</ref> He combines individualism with a "practical" role for the state, including in the protection of the land (of which the people are stewards) and providing assistance to those who cannot help themselves.<ref name=": Kana789">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana sets sights on green mayorship"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 12 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.</ref>
Because of the policies he has promoted as Mayor, including an active role for the district authority in combating pollution and poverty, political opponents have described Kana's political philosophy as "ill-defined" and "fluid".<ref name=": Twatt2">@ame1_ (3 July 2022). [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana has no sense of what he stands for. His ill-defined political philosophy is as undeveloped as his understanding of Freician politics."] - via [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Twatter].</ref><ref name=": Kana456">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is Mixer Man Kana Tenqel?"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 2 June 2022.</ref>
== Honours ==
===National honours===
* {{flagicon image|Riamo flag 2.png}} [[Riamo]]: Queen Diana II Ruby Jubilee Medal, 2023
This is a Freician name. The last name is patronymic, not a family name; this person is referred to by the given name Kaana
Kaana Tenkel[a] (born 12 May 1967) is the present Maaita of Freice, being claimant to one-third of the jointly-held hereditary office. Prior to assuming the office, he worked as a civil engineer and transport planner in Freice and Riamo, inheriting the Tuaa share of the Maaita on his father's death in 2001.
One of the most eccentric of the island's rulers, Kaana came to international attention in 2022 when he was embroiled in what become known as the "Concrete Mixer Man Case." As Maaita, he has earned a reputation as a compratively hands-on ruler, although maintaining a strictly non-partisan position on political matters.
Kaana was the elder son and one of eight children of Tenkel Maairai, who served as Maaita from 1993 to 2003, and the singer Maalelidi Avautima. From a young age, Kaana enjoyed a very close relationship with his mother, who was more understanding of and attentive to his sensibilities than his father. He has since said of his parents that his father "distrusted what he saw as effeminacy" whilst his mother "understood me."
Despite his misgivings, he followed his father into the Freice Posse (the local militia), although he served for only eighteen months before withdrawing. With the support of his mother and sister, he travelled across Olivacia, living for a period in Riamo where he studied at Portington University.
Kaana was never initially destined to succeed to the Tuaa share; he was the youngest of five children. In 1978, his father died and his eldest brother Maaife became claimant to the share. On his death in 1980 of cancer, the claim transferred to the next oldest brother Jauivusa, who also died of cancer in 1985. Tauinasa Tenkel was disinherited in 1992 by court order due to mental instability. None of these brothers had legitimate children at the time of their death (the law allowing illegitimate children to inherit only being enacted in 2001). When the childless Seseeisa Tenkel became claimant in 1992, Kaana became second-in-line. On Seseeisa's own death in 2016, Kaana became heir.
Maaitaship
In accordance with the constitution, Kaana became Maaita on 20 January 2023, succeeding Tevee Enneedi. As the sole inheritor of the Tuaa share of the office, he automatically took on the role without prior negotiation with co-inheritors. The Representative Council formally appointed him in a ceremonial vote to a ten year term.
As Maaita, Kaana has maintained the non-partisan nature of the office, but adopted a more hands-on approach than his recent predecessors. He personally opened the new session of the Representative Council in November 2023, rather than sending a message to be read by the Council's president as previous Maaita's had done.
On 22 December 2023, he travelled to Pohnpenesia for an extended Christmas stay. His wife Makeeia became regent during his absence, the first formally-recognised regent in Freician history.
Concrete Mixer Man Case
Kaana came to international attention following his arrest on 12 January 2022. He was caught with a concrete mixer, poetry books, glue, and three stoats, and was arrested and booked for "lewd activity". He was reported to have willingly surrendered himself and his possessions to the police. It was later determined that the equipment used in the event were stolen, with the concrete mixer likely taken from a construction site he was working at. The stoats were of unknown origin.
Kaana's name was revealed publicly for the first time following a court ruling on 11 February 2022. He was brought to trial on 21 February 2022 on charges of endangering wildlife and indecent exposure. Charges of trespassing and misuse of property were also pressed, although theft was dropped after a local school, believed to be the owner of the glue and books, dropped charges.
In a blog post on his website, written in September 2022, Kaana clarified the details of the event. He claimed that his actions were an "historical inquiry into pre-Christian religions in Freice," with no malice intended. He denied any sexual aspect, saying that he had sought to imitate traditional religious practices.
Response
The case enjoyed international attention. An Anáhuaca politician Francisco Javier Vaquero, when asked about the case, humorously declared that a movie should be made about the unusual criminal. He later added that any movie should win awards for its storyline.
The international coverage of the case has led to a number of copycat cases being reported. In Kentalis, broadcaster NRSK reported of two teenages being arrested for stealing a concrete mixer.
Personal life
Family
Kaana married Makeeia Taaguvigi in 2018, having been in a relationship with her since 2003. They have two children, Mevarau (born 2010) and Suvea (born 2013). Since a 2001 law allowing the Maaitaship to be inherited by illegitimate children, providing that the births happened within a relationship between the two parents, Mevarau is heir to the Tuaa share.
Rumours persist that Kaana and Makeeia's marriage has broken down and that they lead two separate lives. A report in E Tai Seelit claimed that Makeeia is "resentful" for the impact her husband's trial had on her own career.
Health
Since the Concrete Mixer case, several commentators have suggested that Kaana suffers from an undisclosed mental condition. As far back as the death of his second brother in 1985, and specially since the death of his third in 2016, there have been claims that these continued bereavements have affected Kaana, given his close relationships with all his brothers. Tauinasa Tenkel's own mental illness has also raised suggestions of a genetic disposition towards mental imbalance.
Spokespeople for the Maaita have repeatedly sought to dispel rumours of a mental condition, and have accused those making the claim to be "lying or otherwise severely misinformed."
Titles and styles
Between 1992 and 2016, when he was heir to the Tuaa share, Kaana used the courtesy title Tuaa Mula ("Son of Tuaa").
Notes
↑Kaana's name is spelt with two letter "a's." Outside of Freice, it is common for his name to be spelt with only one "a."
