Tradition / Region: Kenyan Mythology
Alternative names: Chemosit, Kerit, Koddoelo, Ngoloko, Duba
Category: Bear
The Myth
The Nandi Bear is a fearsome beast said to roam the forests and plains of East Africa, particularly the lands of the Nandi people in western Kenya. It is described as a massive, powerfully built carnivore with high front shoulders, a sloping back, and reddish hair. Some traditions claim it can stand on its hind legs and is active only at night.
The creature is regarded as extremely fierce and capable of killing both livestock and wild animals. Among the Nandi, it is known as Kerit, and legends say it has unusually long feet and is feared for scalping its human victims.
For generations, people reported encounters with the Nandi Bear throughout Kenya, but no specimen was ever captured or identified. Over time, sightings became increasingly rare, and the creature remains one of East Africa’s most enduring legendary beasts.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Nandi bear. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_bear