Pulse Kenya has called out fraudsters allegedly selling votes to nominees of the ongoing competitions for the Pulse Influencer Awards 2023 which is set to close on September 21.
In a statement on Sunday, September 17, Pulse Kenya stated that there are fraudulent players contacting 2023 nominees for pulse awards offering them votes at a price.
“It has come to our attention that fraudulent players are contacting our Pulse Influencer Awards 2023 nominees, offering them votes for a price.” The statement reads in part.
According to Pulse, this is not the first, as over the years fraudsters have tried selling votes to nominees.
However, the media company acknowledged that these agents have become more brazen in their approach.
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Moreover, pulse distanced itself from these vote sellers noting that their actions are against the company’s values and integrity.
“Pulse has no affiliation or connection with these vote sellers’ actions are a stark contrast to the values and integrity we uphold,” the statement reads further.
Fair and Transparent System
Pulse assured nominees and the public of leading a free and fair recognition in the ongoing Pulse Influencer Awards 2023.
Additionally, the company revealed that their voting system is capable of detecting and nullifying any illegal votes.
“We’ve implemented a robust voting system, specifically designed to detect and nullify suspicious voting activities.
As such, the company affirmed that their tech team has ensured their system is secure against foul play, and any purchased votes will be identified and discarded.
“We are dedicated to preserving the legitimacy and integrity of these awards and ensuring that winners achieve their recognition fairly,” the statement adds.
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Furthermore, Pulse noted that they have the right to disqualify nominees found conspiring with these fraudsters to manipulate voting results on any of the Pulse Influencer Awards pages.
Maurine Bandari Complains
Nevertheless, the notice by Pulse Kenya comes following complaints that some nominees for the 2023 pulse influencer awards were buying votes.
Maureen Bandari, who is the CEO of Bandari Beauty as well as a beauty, fashion and lifestyle content creator complained to pulse over vote buying by some nominees.
Maureen was nominated for the Business Influencer of the Year Awards alongside Caroline Wanjiku, Khalif Kairo, Philip Karanja, Just Ivy, Phoina Beauty, Susan Wanjiku among others.
Via a statement on her ex-account, the businesswoman stated that, “I would rather lose an award honorably than buy a win.”
Pulse Influencer Awards
Pulse Influencer Awards were created to celebrate creativity, talent and community building.
The main aim of the award is to help in strengthening the growth of digital media across Africa.
Likewise, there are various categories in which one can participate in for these awards.
First, there is the industry category which includes: fashion, comedy, business, dance, Art and Photography, food, music, sports, media and blogger, comedy, lifestyle and technology.
Secondly, there is the category of influencer in Tik Tok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Podcast channels.
Finally, there is the Pan-African categories which include influencers who have had positive impact and those who were the most innovative.
