On the Outer Rim world of Tatooine, during the time of the Naboo Crisis, lived a human male slave named Kitster Banai. As a young boy, he developed a friendship with Anakin Skywalker, another slave who shared his passion for podracing. During the Boonta Eve Classic, Banai was a member of Skywalker's pit crew, offering his support. Skywalker's victory in the race led to his freedom, and he subsequently left the [desert](/article/desert] planet to become a member of the Jedi Order. Eventually, Banai himself gained freedom from slavery and relocated to Gabredor III, where he joined other former slaves from Tatooine in a colony.
Kitster Banai spent his early years as a child enslaved on the distant Outer Rim planet of Tatooine, where the laws of the Galactic Republic against slavery were not enforced. He was born near the end of the Republic's years, making him roughly the same age as his friend, Anakin Skywalker. Skywalker, like Banai, was also a slave, having been sold to Watto, a Toydarian junk dealer. As children, Banai and Skywalker looked out for one another, navigating the dangers of Mos Espa's streets. Despite occasional disagreements, they were close friends who enjoyed playing pranks on each other. When Skywalker entered his custom-built podracer in the Boonta Eve Classic podracing competition, Banai was part of his pit crew, offering support. Skywalker's victory secured his freedom, and Banai and his childhood friend parted ways as Skywalker set off to become a Jedi.
As the [years](/article/standard_year] passed, Skywalker, now older, often thought of Banai, hoping his friend had managed to escape Tatooine. During the early days of the Clone Wars in 22 BBY, Skywalker reflected on his childhood while teaching Jedi younglings. He told them that everyone they met would have something to teach them, citing Banai as someone who taught him to find happiness even in difficult times.
Eventually, Sabé, one of the Naboo Royal Handmaidens, and the royal guard Tonra freed Banai from slavery as part of a movement to liberate slaves in honor of Shmi Skywalker's. Banai eventually made his way to Gabredor III, where he resided in a colony with other former slaves from Tatooine, including Wald. As Tauntaza, the Governor of Gabredor III, began to prioritize consolidating her power through the Crimson Dawn criminal syndicate, she neglected the planet and its colony. Between 3 ABY and 4 ABY, Sabé sought the help of Sith Lord Darth Vader to liberate the colony from the governor, bringing him to meet Banai and Wald. Unbeknownst to them, Darth Vader was once Anakin Skywalker, who recognized Banai and Wald from their shared childhood. The governor's actions had caused a drought on the planet, leading a group of tangor to attack the colony.
Banai tried to defend himself, but Darth Vader intervened, slaying the creatures. Vader and Sabé then proceeded with their plan to remove the governor, enlisting the support of Banai and the colonists. They watched as Sabé donned Imperial armor, with Banai expressing concern that she might be putting herself in danger.
Kitster Banai was a human male with tan skin, brown [eyes](/article/eye], and black hair. As a child, he stood at 1.24 [meters](/article/meter] tall. As an adult, sometime between 3 ABY and 4 ABY, Banai was bald with a beard lacking a mustache, featuring two patches of gray hair.
During his childhood, Kitster Banai displayed a positive and confident attitude, which he shared with his friend Anakin Skywalker. He consistently supported Skywalker, both before and during the Boonta Eve Classic. Despite Skywalker's previous losses in racing events, he always offered words of encouragement. Despite his optimistic nature, he also had doubts about Skywalker's ability to repair his podracer, let alone win the race. Nevertheless, Banai attended the event to cheer on his friend. He enjoyed playing pranks on others, including Skywalker, often involving the boy in his schemes.
Dhruv Chanchani played Kitster Banai in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, released in 1999 as the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.