Keni Naulumatua
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Ratu Keni Naulumatua (1895 - 1970) was a Fijian chief who held the title of Turaga Na Rasau. He was the firstborn son of Ratu Jese Waqalekaleka but was the third eldest child. His last name, broken down, is as follows: ‘Na’ is a joining word in this case like 'the'; 'ulu' means 'head'; 'Matua' is like 'wise’. It roughly translates as The wise man. Also in Fijian, the name means "first born".
Ratu Keni was the 11th Turaga Na Rasau and his line traces back more than 13 generations of Turaga Na Rasau, Turaga na Tui Tuvuca. Ratu Keni was maried twice and had many children. His first marraige was to a chiefly woman from the Village of Sawana, Adi Mere Tuisalalo, with whom he had six children - Adi Josivini Tukana Vana, Ratu Viliame Fonolahi and the twins Adi Tupou Moeofo and Adi Mereani Louakau, Ratu Jese Waqalekaleka, and Adi Mere Tuisalalo. Then with his second wife, Adi Sera Qolisaya, he had 3 sons, Ratu Viliame Tuiqiliaqila Serunadibi, Ratu Keni Ugadregadrega, and Ratu Tanoa Senibua.
His household is identified as follows: Yavusa (Greater tribe) (Vusaratu Vuaniivi) Buca, Mataqali (smaller tribal unit within the Yavusa or clan) (Vusaratu Vuaniivi) Buca, Tokatoka (family unit within clan) Valelevu (which literally means big house).
His totems and coat of arms is as follows: Vua-ni-Kau (fruit of the tree) Ivi, Manumanu (animal)Koli(Dog), Ika (Fish) Saqa Leka (Diamondhead trevally), Salusalu (floral garland) Bua Ni Viti (small white flower of the Bua tree which has a sweet fragrance), Tutuvakavanua Elders of the kingdom/Turaga {his position/place in the Kingdom).
Ratu Keni served with the French Foreign Legion in the First World War and was a highly decorated soldier, his good friend who won the French medal of honour was Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. At the end of the war they toured Europe playing the steel guitar and singing in cafes before returning home to help build their nation. Ratu Sakuna went on to become known as the modern founding father of Fiji, while Ratu Keni served 40 years in the civil service and was buried in Suva.
Details of Ratu Keni Naulumatua's first wife Mere Tuisalalo and her family are as follows: The mother of Mere Tuisalalo Setaita Miller, The father of Mere Tuisalalo was Viliame Fonolahi From Kolonga in Tonga. Viliame Fonolahi was a devout Christian and baptized the former Tui Vuda (a prominent Ba chief) as a Christian. Setaita had only one other sister who married the King of Tonga at the time).
Mere Tuisalalo’s older sister Lusiana Qolikoro married Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba, Turaga na Tui Nayau, and their son was Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara, who served for decades as Prime Minister and President.
Mere Tuisalalo's younger sister Laisa Kaukiono had issue with the Turaga na Tui Kaba na Vunivalu Ratu Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau (fondly known as Ratu Tui) and their child was Ratu Tui's eldest child and son Ratu Viliame Dreunimisimisi of Bau. The father of Ratu Sir Edward Tuivanuavou Tugi Cakobau (1908 - 1973) was the King of Tonga and his mother was Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau's Granddaughter Adi Litia Cakobau.
