Fifteen years ago, Francis Komu’s life took an unexpected turn on what seemed like an ordinary evening. Standing at a matatu stage after a long day’s work, the then 22-year-old felt a sharp, needle-like pain in his ankle. At first, he brushed it off, scratching the irritating itch until it subsided.

But later, as he prepared for a shower, he noticed something alarming: bloodstains on his knee and his nails, signs that his scratching had broken the skin. Assuming it was a simple allergic reaction, he slept it off. The next day, a doctor recommended a tetanus shot, but weeks passed, and the discomfort persisted.

As a businessman relying on his work to make ends meet, Francis didn’t let the situation stop him. He continued with his usual routine, but over time, his leg swelled from his hip to his ankle and foot.