Background
Kenin Riss is a younger Mon Calamari (around 23) who saw the Republic fall, and the Empire rise while he was young. His family, scared of what the Empire could to Mon Cala, encouraged Kenin to stay away from any rebellious thoughts or groups. Considering Mon Calamari was one of the most anti-Imperial planets in the Galaxy, it was nearly impossible to stay away from it.
He was also in line to become an Imperial naval officer, considering that the Riss family had a history of having Admirals in the Republic Navy.
Eventually, instead of flying to Prefsbelt IV for his training to become an Imperial Fleet Officer, Kenin booked a transport to the Outer Rim. Idealistic and naive, he hopes that somewhere, he'll find someone that can strike back at the Empire.
The rumors of the Empire wishing to fully take over Mon Cala have only fulled him in his hunt to take down the Imperials.
Motivation
To find a group of individuals willing to oppose the Empire, and to strike back at the Empire.