Nyang'idi (Lake Serpent)
The Nyang'idi is a fearsome serpent monster in Luo mythology said to dwell in the depths of Lake Victoria, a bringer of disease and misfortune. According to tradition, the Nyang'idi was once a servant of Were (the supreme god) who was cast down into the waters as punishment for disobedience. The serpent grows to enormous size and emerges during storms or when the waters are disturbed by human wrongdoing. Its presence is associated with outbreaks of disease, particularly the wasting illnesses that affect fishermen who venture too far into deep waters. The nyawawa (water spirits) are descendants