Chemosit/ Kalenjin/ Chemoiset/ Chimisit/ Chemisit/ Gononet/ Chemosisiek(pl)

The Chemosit is a mythical creature and cryptid from East Africa and Western Kenya and the myths of the Nandi people. It’s often believed to be similar to, or the same as, the Nandi Bear. They have tawny or reddish fur with stripes and an ape’s face. They’re nocturnal creatures known to make a moaning cry or a horrific roar. They sometimes stand on their hind legs and leave round bear-like pawprints. They have been reported breaking into native huts, killing the occupants, and eating the brains of their victims. In the 1960s a man named Angus McDonald was chased around his hut by a seven-foot-tall creature with an ape-like face. 

As well as possibly being a real animal, the Chemosit has myths associated with it, making it a bogeyman figure. Stories say these creatures have always existed, rather than being created at any point, and resemble one-legged bird/human hybrids. They use walking sticks to strike cattle to leave them sick and dying. Myths from the Masai people say they have nine buttocks and a fiery glowing mouth.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Spirits and Ghosts in World Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

Eberhart, George M.. Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology – Volume 1. United Kingdom, CFZ Press, 2013.