Kel was the speaker of the Djanai Counsel of the Elders. In 2271, He met with Admiral James T. Kirk in a central location to discuss possible terms of negotiation with the neighboring Inari. However, when Kirk's protective shield failed, Kirk was beamed to Kel's base presumably on Kel's orders. Later, after Kirk had escaped, he met with Kel again and convinced him to talk with the Counsel of the Elders. Kel was then injured by the Vulcan master Zakal. (TOS novel: The Lost Years)