<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''' [[General Kiuva|KM]] (born 12 May 1977)<ref name=": 1a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana Tenqel named as Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 14 February 2022</ref><ref name=": 2a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Registration for candidacy - Tenqel, Kana Sotola"]. ''Freice Elections Commission''. Retrieved 6 June 2022</ref> is a [[Freice|Freician]] politicial who currently serves as [[Head of the Government of Freice|Keomoru'lu]] since January 2023. He graduated from Queen Diana University in 1998 and worked as a civil engineer until 2023, when he was fired after being embroiled in what became known as the "Concrete Mixer Man Case".<ref name=": 4a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is the 'Mixer Man' taking Freician politics by storm?"]. ''Guri Telegraph''. Retrieved 15 June 2022.</ref> Kana entered politics following his trial, founding a [[Future Citizens (Freice)|political party]] and serving as Mayor of [[Districts of Freice|Peka]] from 2022 to 2023. He was elected Keomoru'lu (head of government) in 2023, succeeding [[Aniara Neileka]].<ref name=": 3a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana sweeps to office; MURO collapses"]. ''Mulo'i Puineta''. Retrieved 20 January 2023.</ref>
Considered the most well-known Freician, Kana has been credited with raising the international profile of Freice. He is seen as a maverick politician and a populist, having largely shunned the conventions of political leadership and taking advantage of social media. As Keomoru'lu, he has earned international praise for his handling of the [[HIV/AIDS in Freice|HIV/AIDS crisis]], and has been celebrated at home as a protector of Freician sovereignty in his [[The Freician Issue|dealings]] with the Riamese federal government.<ref name=": 6a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice government commits to combating HIV/AIDS discrimination"]. ''HHK''. Retrieved 9 March 2022.</ref><ref name=":7a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice: HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination bill proposed"]. ''The Eastern Sun''. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.</ref> He has, however, faced criticism from some quarters for his unionist and monarchist stance, and amongst commentators for his perceived political naivety and amateurism.<ref name=": 5a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Opinion: Kana is all bluster and little more"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. Retrieved 12 November 2022.</ref>
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.
==Early life and education==
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.
Kana was born on 12 May 1977 in Weia to Tenqel Meipa and Valeia Tara.<ref name=": 8a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who am I?"]. ''kana.faiose''. Retrieved 6 May 2022.</ref> He was the youngest of three children, having two older sisters. His father was a husbandman who briefly served as a representative in the village's local council. His mother was a housewife, having previously worked as a medical assistant at the local health centre.<ref name=": 9a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: I know what it's like to not have a lot"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 11 January 2023.</ref> Kana has described his family as "loving but dysfunctional", relating how his parents separated when he was ten and only reconciling once he had left for university.<ref name=": 9a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: I know what it's like to not have a lot"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 11 January 2023.</ref>
Kana attended Queen Diana University, graduating with a degree in civil engineering in 1998.<ref name=": 4a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is the 'Mixer Man' taking Freician politics by storm?"]. ''Guri Telegraph''. Retrieved 15 June 2022.</ref> He returned to Freice on graduation and worked with a succession of construction companies. In 2001, he joined Bray and Colley as a junior assistant engineer, working on several projects, including the restoration of Kaimo Potio'i.<ref name=": 9a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: I know what it's like to not have a lot"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 11 January 2023.</ref> Between 2010 and 2011, he worked with the Ministry of the Environment, Transport, and Public Works on infrastructure development.<ref name=": 10a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: Man of the People?"]. ''Guri Telegraph''. Retrieved 14 April 2022.</ref>
==Concrete Mixer Man Case==
==Concrete Mixer Man Case==
Kana first came to public 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".<ref name=": 11a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer man finds public following"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 29 January 2022</ref><ref name=": 12a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Bizaar Freician criminal case takes world by storm"]. ''Riamo News''. Retrieved 29 January 2022</ref> He was reported to have willingly surrendered himself and his possessions to the police.<ref name=": 13a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who is Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Riamo News''. Retrieved 30 January 2022</ref> 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.<ref name=": 14a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Strange Freician case reaches international stage"]. ''HHK''. Retrieved 30 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.
Kana's name was revealed publicly for the first time following a Court of Appeal ruling on 11 February 2022.<ref name=": 15a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana Tenqel named as Concrete Mixer Man"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 14 February 2022</ref> He was brought to trial on 21 February 2022 on charges of endangering wildlife and indecent exposure.<ref name=": 16a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete Mixer Man Trial: Defence outlines its case"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 23 February 2022</ref> 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.<ref name=": 17a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete Mixer Man Trial: Defence outlines its case"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 23 February 2022</ref>
In a blog post on his website, written in September 2022, Kana 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.<ref name=": 18a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is it with the concrete mixer?"]. ''kana.fe''. Retrieved 5 September 2022</ref> He denied any sexual aspect, saying that he had sought to imitate traditional religious practices.<ref name=": 18a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "What is it with the concrete mixer?"]. ''kana.fe''. Retrieved 5 September 2022</ref>
===Response===
====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=": 11a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer man finds public following"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. 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=": 19a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Concrete mixer case brings island fame"]. ''Gavrilopolis Times''. Retrieved 24 January 2022</ref>
====International response====
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=": 20a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Vaquero: I want Concrete Mixer Man movie NOW!"]. ''Santa Elisa Live''. 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=": 21a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Vaquero: I want Concrete Mixer Man movie NOW!"]. ''Santa Elisa Live''. Retrieved 23 January 2022</ref>
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=": 22a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "President hails 'breakthrough' agreement with G.R."]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 4 February 2022</ref>
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=": 23a">[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=": 24a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "I declared war on Freice's Justice System!"]. ''Orajioe Daily''. Retrieved 27 February 2022</ref>
[[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]]
===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=": 25a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Two teenagers arrested in Čelanica for stealing Concrete mixer from Construction site"]. ''NRSK''. Retrieved 27 January 2022</ref>
==Political career==
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.
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=": 26a">@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=": 27a">[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=": 28a">@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>
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.
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=": 29a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana: Party 'not a joke'"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 13 March 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.
Kana led his party to victory in the [[2022 elections in Freice|June 2022 elections]], with the party winning a plurality of the vote in the General Kiuva election, winning three mayoralties, and leading three district authority administrations.<ref name=": 30a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Election 2022: KTP defies odds, takes first place"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref>
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.
===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=": 31a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Election 2022: KTP defies odds, takes first place"]. ''Radio and Television Freice''. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref><ref name=": 32a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Aniara takes top job, Kana wins Peka race"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. Retrieved 11 June 2022.</ref>
As Mayor, he promoted sustainable development across all areas of policy-making. He pressed the protection of the Peka Highlands (the parts of the Sete Hills in Peka), established of new rules regarding urban development, and emphasised happiness and access to basic resources as key indicators over GDP.<ref name=": 33a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Is Kana destined for a head-on collision with Aniara?"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 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=": 33a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Is Kana destined for a head-on collision with Aniara?"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 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=": 34a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana sweeps to office; MURO collapses"]. ''Kaposa Tama''. 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=": 35a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice: Kana party merges with MURO"]. ''Riamo News''. 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=": 36a">[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=": 37a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana, Freice sees more Twatter followers as international crisis continues"]. ''The Eastern 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=":38a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "HIV/AIDS discrimination bill passes Kiuva vote"]. ''Mulo'i Puineta''. Retrieved 20 April 2023.</ref>
===The Freician Issue===
Kana once again came to international attention when his government entered into conflict with the Riamese federal government over foreign aid to Freice.<ref name=": 39a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "MEDIA RELEASE: Hon. Kana Tenqel, Keomoru'lu, has written to the Federal Chancellor regarding the actions of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs"]. ''Government of Freice''. Retrieved 30 April 2023.</ref><ref name=": 40a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice-Riamo disagreement on 'everybody's lips'"]. ''Riamo News''. Retrieved 1 May 2023.</ref> The Riamese government criticised the decision of [[Anáhuac]] to send medical aid to Freice to address the HIV/AIDS crisis, declaring it to undermine Freice's constitutional status within the federation.<ref name=": 41a">@RMFA (10 March 2022). [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "The Riamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has scheduled an urgent talk with Anahuacan Authorities following the latest developments regarding #Freice. @RiamoSenate will be called to vote on the subject today, as this sudden move puts into question Freice's self-determination rights."] - via [https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ Twatter].</ref>
Kana's stance has received applause from domestic and international audiences for standing up for Freice's self-determination and for putting healthcare above politics.<ref name=":42a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Opinion: The Keomoru'lu may be strange, but he is winning the public's hearts"]. ''Mulo'i Puineta''. Retrieved 10 May 2023.</ref>
==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kana married teacher Ama Selaia in 2023, having been in a relationship with her since 2015.<ref name=":43a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice: Kana Tenqel marries in surprise announcement"]. ''Riamo News''. Retrieved 10 May 2023.</ref> He had previously been in a relationship with from 1995 until 2010, producing one child, [[Nuisela Sakana]], a former athlete.<ref name=": 8a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who am I?"]. ''kana.faiose''. Retrieved 6 May 2022.</ref> His son is currently a member of Peka District Administrative Council<ref name=":44a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Freice: Kana's son elected to local government"]. ''Eastern Sun''. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.</ref>
===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.
He has one living sister, Tami, who is a nurse two years his senior. His late sister, Elaki, died of cancer in 2016. She had previously worked as an assistant in the local school.<ref name=": 8a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Who am I?"]. ''kana.faiose''. Retrieved 6 May 2022.</ref>
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.
Kana's religious views have attracted some attention, particularly because of his claimed efforts to rekindle pre-Christian practices that caused his arrest. He has made no direct statement on what religious beliefs he holds, but has confirmed that he does believe in God. Speaking in 2023 before he was elected Keomoru'lu, he said: "I do believe in something bigger than me, and I call that thing God. I don't know exactly what it is and I don't want to. Religion is a private matter and something that is between myself and God. As far as government is concerned, the only beliefs that are important are political beliefs, and religion should play no part in that."<ref name=": 45a">[https://i.imgur.com/LJrd3HN.jpg/ "Kana talks politics, religion, and holidays"]. ''Mulo'i Puineta''. Retrieved 16 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.
== Honours ==
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."
===National honours===
* {{flagicon image|Riamo flag 2.png}} [[Riamo]]: Queen Diana II Ruby Jubilee Medal, 2023
==See also==
==Titles and styles==
* [[Future Citizens (Freice)|Future Citizens]]
Between 1992 and 2016, when he was heir to the Tuaa share, Kaana used the courtesy title ''Tuaa Mula'' ("Son of Tuaa").
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."
