[PHOTOS] Protesters light bonfire in Kisumu before Saba Saba rally

Protesters in Kisumu took to the streets on Friday to demonstrate ahead of the Saba Saba rally.

On the roads, there was the presence of GSU officers as most of the businesses and shops remained closed.

People Power Movement said they will lead Kisumu residents to hold a peaceful protest to commemorate Saba Saba Day.

In a statement, the movement called on police to obey the law and to conduct themselves professionally to avoid violence.

"On this Saba Saba, the people of Kisumu join in solidarity call by Kenyans to commemorate this year's Saba-Saba," the statement read.

"We shall start our peaceful march at Kondele and head to town where they will serve the county commissioner, on behalf of the President, with a petition that speaks to issues faced by our communities." 

They urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers.

Saba-Saba is a traditional protest date in commemoration of the protests held across Kenya on July 7 1991, to demand the opening up of democratic space and a multi-party system.